Learning Activity

Speed Dating: Using the Target Language to Gather Information About Others

Subject Area

World Languages

Grade(s)

7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

This interpersonal activity is geared toward level one World Language classes. Students will use the target language to interview and gather basic information about others at the novice-mid to novice-high level.

This activity was created as a result of the World Languages COS Resource Development Summit. 

World Languages (2017) Grade(s): 07-12 - World Languages

WL17.WL.L1.1

Communicate and share on familiar topics with a variety of words, phrases, and simple sentences in the present time frame.

Unpacked Content

UP:WL17.WL.L1.1

Knowledge

Students know:
  • culturally appropriate ways to greet and leave others.
  • how to introduce themselves and provide basic information.
  • question words and how to recognize them in conversation.
  • how to describe themselves in first person.
  • how to describe others in third person.

Skills

Students are able to:
Novice Mid Level
  • use basic greetings.
  • introduce themselves.
  • respond to yes/no questions.
  • respond to either or questions.
  • answer who, what, when where.

Novice High Level students are able to:
  • use basic greetings.
  • introduce themselves.
  • respond to yes/no questions.
  • respond to either or questions.
  • answer who, what, when where.
  • say age.
  • say what one likes/dislikes.
  • talk about places.
  • talk about times and dates.

    • Understanding

    Students understand that:
    Novice Mid Level
    • effective communication requires knowing how when and why to say what to whom.
    • the purpose of language study is to communicate so one can understand others and be understood.
    • other understandings will depend on the theme being taught.
    Students understand that:
    Novice High Level
    • effective communication requires knowing how when and why to say what to whom.
    • the purpose of language study is to communicate so one can understand others and be understood.
    • other understandings will depend on the theme being taught.

    Phase

    During/Explore/Explain
    Learning Objectives

    Learning Objectives

    Students can:

    • greet and leave people in an informal, yet polite way.
    • exchange basic information about themselves and their everyday lives using simple sentences in present tense.
    • write about another person using simple sentences in present tense.

    Activity Details

    Opening Strategy: Brainstorming

    • Have students assume the role of a fictitious character for this activity. 
    • Assuming their fictitious role, students should brainstorm a list of nouns, adjectives, and verbs that are needed to describe themselves and their everyday life.
    • In pairs, have students brainstorm a list of basic questions that can be used to exchange information during the upcoming conversations. Questions should revolve around current vocabulary. Suggestions include: How old are you? Where do you work? What is your favorite color/food/sport? What do you do during your free time?

    Core Strategy: The Interview

    Provide the following challenge to your students: Assuming the role of your fictitious character, you are going to participating in a speed-dating session in order to locate your perfect match! Remember, all communication must be in the target language!

    • The teacher/ speed-dating facilitator should arrange the seating so that students are facing each other in pairs.
    • The teacher/ speed-dating facilitator should split the class into two groups. Group 1 will stay seated throughout the entire activity. Group 2 will move seats every three minutes. 
    • The teacher/ speed-dating facilitator should monitor the time. Every three minutes they are to instruct students to say goodbye. Students in Group 2 will then change seats and partners.
    • During each three minute round, students should greet and introduce themselves informally, yet politely. Then, students should ask each other the questions created during the brainstorming activity. The exchange of information should continue until the teacher says that time is up. Finally, they should say their goodbyes and the Group 2 students will move seats to join a new partner.
    • During each three minute round, students should informally take notes by writing down the name of each character they met and basic information gathered during the interview.

    Closing Strategy: Match Selection and Exit Slip

    • At the end of the activity, each student should look over their notes and determine which character is their best match.
    • On the back of their notes page, they should write the names of their top three matches. Then, briefly write a target language description of their first choice match. This description should include simple sentences in the present tense.
    • Turn in this description as students exit the class.
    Assessment Strategies

    Assessment Strategies

    1.Observe students during their interpersonal interactions to evaluate their ability to:

    • greet and leave others in a polite way.
    • exchange basic information about themselves and their everyday lives using simple, present tense sentences.

    2. Collect exit slips from students and take time to analyze written descriptions of their chosen match. Specifically, evaluate their ability to describe another person using simple, present tense sentences.

    Variation Tips

    This activity is fun to complete around Valentine's day. By assuming the role of fictitious characters, students are more likely to embrace the excitement of the holiday and more willing to be engaged in active conversation.

    If your class reads a novel or story, students could complete the same activity by assuming roles of characters they have studied in their reading.

    After reading the exit slips, the teacher should consider creating a 'Perfect Match' list for students to view the next day. This way, students can see the results of the speed-dating event.

    Background and Preparation

    Background / Preparation

    • The brainstorming activity can be completed at the start of class or for homework the night before the interpersonal activity.
    • Students need to be seated face to face for the speed-dating event. If needed, arrange seating before the class begins. 
    • Divide students into two groups before the class begins.
    • The teacher will need access to a timer or stop-watch for this activity.
    • If this activity is being used on Valentine´s day, consider decorating the room to match the theme.

    Approved Date

    Owner (Author)

    chrissyroe
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