Hop a Little: action language and games · Learner pages

Lesson 1 · Make action words meaningful

Distinguish movement and rest words by description.

Name or initials: ____________   Date: ____________

Adult-supported lesson: read the linked source selection together when available. An adult can demonstrate, describe or use a puppet. No child has to perform an uncomfortable movement.

1. Listen to a word. An adult says an action such as wave, turn, bend or rest. Repeat the word or indicate that you recognise it.
2. Notice the difference. For this vocabulary demonstration, a hop uses one foot. A jump can use both feet. Point to the adult’s matching model.
3. Link word and description. Stretch means extend; bend means make an angle at a joint. A yawn and sleep are not the same action.
4. Create a new action rhyme. Say our original line “Wave to a friend, then rest at the end.” Find the two action words and do, show or describe them.

Worked example: Original example: In a puppet game, the puppet waves, bends toward a toy, then rests. The speaker names each action separately rather than calling all three “jump”.

1. Which description matches hop in our demonstration?

   1. spring using one foot · 2. lie asleep · 3. turn a page

2. Which action means pausing to relax?

   1. run · 2. rest · 3. jump

3. Which word means extend a body part?

   1. sleep · 2. yawn · 3. stretch

Discuss: Choose three comfortable actions or pictures. Say the words in an order for an adult to follow.

Adult observation

Ask the learner to explain and show the goal using a fresh example.

• Uses the target word appropriately
• Explains or demonstrates with support as needed

Adult observation; multiple-choice scores alone do not establish speaking or writing mastery

Lesson 2 · Say what a scene shows

Describe people and actions using picture evidence.

Name or initials: ____________   Date: ____________

Adult-supported lesson: read the linked source selection together when available. Look carefully before speaking. A picture cannot tell us every hidden fact.

1. Use a described scene. Our original scene has two children drawing at a table and one adult reading nearby.
2. Say who and what. “Two children are drawing” names a group and its action. “An adult is reading” names the other action.
3. Choose a matching pronoun. After naming the children, use “They are drawing”. Use she or he only when the person’s pronoun is given; names are also clear.
4. Separate seeing from guessing. The scene does not tell us tomorrow’s plans or everyone’s feelings. Say only what the scene shows, or mark an idea as a guess.

Worked example: Original scene: Jo and Kim are drawing; their aunt is reading. “They are drawing” refers to Jo and Kim. The picture gives no evidence about what they will eat later.

1. The scene has two children drawing. Which sentence fits?

   1. They is drawing. · 2. It are drawing. · 3. They are drawing.

2. An adult is reading in the scene. Which word names the action?

   1. reading · 2. adult · 3. table

3. Which is supported by the stated scene?

   1. Everyone is named Sam. · 2. Two children are drawing. · 3. All people will eat rice tomorrow.

Discuss: Use a family-safe picture, including a drawing you make. Give two observations and one question about something the picture does not reveal.

Adult observation

Ask the learner to explain and show the goal using a fresh example.

• Uses the target word appropriately
• Explains or demonstrates with support as needed

Adult observation; multiple-choice scores alone do not establish speaking or writing mastery

Lesson 3 · Follow a route and spell an action

Use order words, turn-taking and letters in a short game.

Name or initials: ____________   Date: ____________

Adult-supported lesson: read the linked source selection together when available. We can move a counter instead of our bodies to follow a path.

1. Read the route. Our original board has boxes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 in a line. Put a counter on 1.
2. Give one instruction. Say “Move to the next box”. From 1, the counter goes to 2. Continue one box at a time.
3. Use the return instruction. At 5, turn back along the same path: 4, 3, 2, 1. Say the destination before moving.
4. Write a game word. The word hop has the letters h-o-p. Point to each letter, then copy hop. Let the other player take the next turn.

Worked example: Original example: Uma moves a counter 1→2→3→4→5, then follows “turn back” as 5→4→3→2→1. She says each next number before moving.

1. Moving forward from box 1, which box is next?

   1. 1 again · 2. 2 · 3. 5

2. Returning from box 5, which box is next?

   1. 1 immediately · 2. 6 · 3. 4

3. Which letters spell hop?

   1. h-o-p · 2. h-a-t · 3. m-a-p

Discuss: Make a three-box letter route a-b-c. Tell a partner how to move forward and return, using a counter or a finger.

Adult observation

Ask the learner to explain and show the goal using a fresh example.

• Uses the target word appropriately
• Explains or demonstrates with support as needed

Adult observation; multiple-choice scores alone do not establish speaking or writing mastery

Final check · Set 1

Try one set after the lessons. Use the other set after reviewing any errors.

1. Which words are actions in “Wave to a friend, then rest at the end”?

   to and a / wave and rest / friend and end

2. A puppet changes the angle at its waist. Which word fits?

   sleep / hear / bend

3. Jo and Kim are drawing. Who does they refer to here?

   Jo and Kim / only the table / a missing dog

4. The picture does not show tomorrow. Which response is accurate?

   They will certainly fly. / We do not know tomorrow’s plan. / Tomorrow is definitely a holiday.

5. Which is the full forward route?

   1,4,2,5,3 / 5,4,3,2,1 / 1,2,3,4,5

6. Which is the return route?

   5,4,3,2,1 / 1,2,3,4,5 / 5,1,3,2,4

Final check · Set 2

Try one set after the lessons. Use the other set after reviewing any errors.

1. A person yawns. Which conclusion is safe from that fact alone?

   The person yawned. / The person must already be asleep. / The person cannot move.

2. How can a learner show understanding without moving?

   Ignore every model. / Choose the matching action picture. / Choose any word without listening.

3. Which sentence clearly uses a supplied name?

   That unknown name is certain. / Nobody can have a name. / Jo draws.

4. If a detail is uncertain, what can a speaker do?

   Ask a question about it. / State any guess as a fact. / Pretend the picture said it.

5. Which letter is missing in h_p to make hop?

   i / o / a

6. How can two players share practice?

   One player never gets a chance. / Both ignore the route. / Take turns.