Quick Guide
- Keywords: Collaboration, dialogues, peace, team Pictionary, vocabulary
- Learner English Level: Intermediate and above
- Learner maturity: High School and above
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Activity time: 80 minutes
- Materials: Global Conflict Tracker, large paper sheets, markers, printed conversation starters, vocabulary cards, drawing materials, timer.
Exploring the concept of peace is essential, as it fosters empathy and equips students with skills to work together. This lesson plan combines a Collaborative Pictionary Challenge and Peaceful Pairs discussion to help students explore the topic of peace. Students work in teams to visually represent peace-related vocabulary through collaborative drawing, and then use conversation prompts to engage in pair dialogues. This thought-provoking lesson helps students to develop communication skills and improve their vocabulary.
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare large paper sheets, markers, and drawing materials.
Step 2: Prepare one set of word cards per group with peace-related vocabulary (e.g., “diplomacy”). Each card should have one word/phrase (see Appendix).
Step 3: Prepare and print conversation starter sheets (1 per pair of students) using questions related to peace (see Appendix).
Procedure
Step 1: Introduce your students to the topic by eliciting examples of active conflicts around the world. You can also use a projector to display the Global Conflict Tracker (n.d.) map, which illustrates the widespread impact of conflicts. Emphasize the importance of peace in the context of global conflicts.
Step 2: Introduce the vocabulary on the board. Elicit meanings by pronouncing words and inviting volunteers to explain. Encourage students to add and write words.
Step 3: Divide the class into teams of 3-4 students each.
Step 4: Explain that students will do a Collaborative Pictionary Challenge and work together to draw some of the assigned peace-related words.
Step 5: Ensure each group has a set of word cards, a large sheet of paper, and drawing materials.
Step 6: Tell teams to randomly select vocabulary cards and give them 2-3 minutes to create drawings of the words/phrases. Remind them that they are working together.
Step 7: Then, invite teams to view the other teams’ drawings and guess the correct word. Set a one-minute limit for guessing.
Step 8: Encourage teams to share their thought process with the class.
Step 9: Pair up students and distribute the conversation starters to each pair.
Step 10: Explain that they will engage in dialogues about peace using the conversation starters.
Step 11: Encourage the use of the target vocabulary.
Step 12: Tell students to take turns picking a conversation starter, read it aloud, and discuss the topic with their partner. Encourage them to try to use the target vocabulary, and ask follow up questions. Give 2 minutes for each discussion prompt.
Step 13: After two minutes of discussion, tell students to switch roles, with the other partner selecting a conversation starter and initiating a new dialogue.
Step 14: Monitor discussions and offer support as necessary.
Step 15: Once the students have discussed the questions, invite volunteers to share their answers.
Extension
For reading practice, students explore the Global Conflict Tracker (n.d.) to research specific conflicts. Insights can be shared in discussion groups to enhance their understanding. For reinforcement, ask students to use the target vocabulary in a piece of writing.
Conclusion
This lesson offers an engaging approach to teaching peace-related vocabulary and encourages students to consider the importance of peace. It builds collaborative skills through creativity and then transitions into pair dialogues for further practice. This fosters communication and listening skills.
Reference
Council on Foreign Relations. (n.d.). Global conflict tracker. https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/
Appendix
The appendix is available below.
