Enhancing communication
through gestures
Pam Haynes
S.D. #42 (Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows)
Verbs are an important
part of language
• Every sentence needs a verb.
• How do we teach verbs in a meaningful and
fun way?
Using gestures to teach
language
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It’s kinesthetic.
It’s effective.
It’s fun.
It’s easy.
It provides an important foundation
for language learning.
Recommended
progression
• Present and practise gestures
– One word
• Practise gestures with subject pronouns
- Two words
• Practise combining subject and verb with
logical ending
– Three words
Step One
Present and practise
gestures
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regarde
écoute
écrit
lit
dit
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parle
ouvre
ferme
bouge
ne bouge pas
Practise options
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In groups of 2 – 3
Beat the clock
Use student-made flashcards
Word – gesture
Gesture – word
Affirmative – negative
Third person – infinitive
Essayons des gestes!
Step Two
Practice with subject
pronouns
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Je
Tu
Il
Elle
On
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Je regarde
Tu fermes
Il lit
Elle parle
On bouge
Step three
Add logical endings
Des mots-amis
• le hamburger
• la pizza
• la radio
• la télévision
Des mots français
• le livre
• le cahier
• la porte
• la fenêtre
Step three
Add logical endings
Use adverbs
• bien
• mal
• beaucoup
• vite
Use place names
• à la bibliothèque
• au bureau
• dans la salle de classe
• à l’école
Practise suggestions
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Groups of 2 (A,B)
30 seconds (A parle, B compte)
Switch roles (B parle, A compte)
Record scores: look for improvement
Use for assessment
Keep the subject pronoun the same
(je)
Regardons nos élèves
• Video of Grade 5 Core French
students at Blackburn Elementary,
SD#42, Maple Ridge
Et maintenant
practiquons!
Variation:
Dice and card game
• Draw a verb card and roll die.
• Number on die = number of sentences.
• One point for each correct sentence. Play
to 20.
• Rolling a “3” means making three sentences
with the verb on the verb card.
– Je mange vite.
– Il mange un sandwich.
– Tu manges la pizza.
Blend with other resources
and approaches
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Games
Plays
Songs
Book projects
Journal writing
Assessment Options
• Test aural – teacher gestures, students
select the word from a word list
• Students play and assess each other.
• Play “Je suis super!” with the teacher.
Teacher counts the number of correct
sentences in 30 seconds, just as practiced.
Reflection
In pairs or threes:
• How do gestures enhance
communication?
• How can you see using gestures in
your classroom?