Contextualization
Introduction
Learning a new language is entering a new universe, and English, being the most spoken language in the world, brings with it a multitude of possibilities, ranging from consuming media content to new professional opportunities.
In this project, we will focus on the basics that everyone needs to know before starting a conversation: names and greetings. The name is our business card, it is the first information we present to a new person. And greetings, well, greetings are the bricks that build the bridge of communication. With them, we open a dialogue, express our feelings towards the other person and the moment we share.
Therefore, learning names and greetings in English is taking the first step on the path to fluency in this language. It is also allowing yourself to be part of an increasingly globalized world, studying and practicing the language of Shakespeare, Obama, and why not, Harry Potter.
Contextualization
Whether in a video call meeting, a casual encounter at the supermarket, or a formal event, the way we greet and introduce ourselves is crucial to establish a good first impression. Imagine yourself on a trip to an English-speaking country, or participating in an international meeting, the confidence in introducing yourself and greeting in English can open many doors.
Greetings go beyond the famous 'Hello', as depending on the time of day, the context, and the level of formality of the meeting, other expressions may be more appropriate. Nevertheless, even though they may seem simple, names and greetings are the beginning of building relationships with speakers of other languages.
Practical Activity
Activity Title: 'Greetings and Introductions: A World of Hello!'
Project Objective
The objective of this project is to practice and deepen the knowledge of names and greetings in English, developing communication and expression skills in the English language, as well as promoting teamwork.
Detailed Description
Each group will create a 'Picnic Around the World'. Each group member will represent a fictional character from a different country and will introduce themselves, using the chosen name in English and the appropriate greetings for the time of day they choose for the picnic. In addition, they will produce greeting signs in English, which will be used during the picnic.
Required Materials
- Cardboard or poster board
- Markers or colored pens
- Picnic items (snacks, blanket, etc.)
- Camera or smartphone for video recording
Step by Step
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Group formation: each group will have between three to five students.
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Study of the material: students will study greetings in English using the suggested learning resources.
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Selection of characters: each group member chooses a fictional character from a different country, and an English name for that character.
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Preparation of greeting signs: students will create signs with greetings in English, using cardboard or poster board and markers or colored pens.
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Picnic realization: Students will gather in a pleasant environment, which can be outdoors or indoors, and have a picnic. During the picnic, each student will introduce themselves as the chosen character, using the correct English greetings for the time of day of the picnic.
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Video recording: The picnic and presentations will be recorded on video for later evaluation.
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Report writing: After the picnic practice, students must write a report of their experiences and learnings.
Project Delivery
For the project delivery, students must send the video of the picnic presentation and the written report, containing:
Introduction
Here, students must contextualize the project, highlighting the importance of learning greetings in English and the relevance of communicating appropriately in different contexts. Additionally, they should indicate their objectives with the project.
Development
The group must explain the choice of characters and names, detail the preparation of the greeting signs, and describe the picnic realization. They should include their study methodology and preparation for the project, as well as present the discussion of the results obtained during the activity execution.
Conclusion
In this part, students must reinforce the main points of the project, share what they learned during the process, and discuss how this experience contributed to their understanding and practice of English.
Bibliography
Students must indicate all sources used for the project preparation, including the suggested learning resources and any other materials used.