by Selene Cid Montoya
In
this activity, the familiar child`s game of catch is used as a metaphor for
conventional activity to illustrate the implicit rules of this type of
interaction. The playfulness of the activity creates a memorable impression in
the learner`s mind of the expectations of listeners and speakers and allows the
learner to recognize potentially inappropriate behaviors.
Use
this as a class opener. When all the students are seated, greet someone warmly and
ask a routine questions, such as, Did you have a good weekend?. As you finish
the question, gently toss the ball to the student who. You hope, will catch it.
If the student doesn`t answer the question, silently retrieve the ball and
repeat the question and ball toss. When the student answer the question, signal
that you want the ball tossed back. If the student only answers “Yes” or some
similar short response, they don`t catch the ball, let it drop to the floor and
stare at it morosely as it bounces away. After the brief dramatic pause, sigh
and retrieve the ball. Ask the same student a new question: “Where did you go”
and toss the ball again. Continuo doing this, when the students ask you a
direct question, beam happily and catch the ball.
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