Introduction

This roleplay consists of students put into pairs who then create and act out their own conversation.

Target group and Time

The roleplay can be performed by all participants regardless of English skills. They just need a partner on the same level for the roleplay to be on equal terms. The conversations can be adapted to the topic of the class. I would advise 3-6 minutes or 5-10 minutes (so that the pairs can switch roles once after half the time is up).

Learning objectives

The objective is for the students to practice their speaking skills. Students have to act the role they are playing and can be creative and spontaneous. They have to use the vocabulary of the theme and the standard terms for a phone call (e.g., how to begin and how to end a phone call). It is an easy enough task that the students shoudn't feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable.  There is no limit for how long or how short the students have to speak.

Instructions to set up the activity

The teacher explains the task, clarifies all questions and puts the children into pairs. Then the children should receive a help sheet with key phrases and useful vocabulary which they can use but don’t have to if they feel confident in their skills. The children should be reminded that they are supposed to only speak in English and that they should stick to their roles. They should also know how much time they are given.

Letting it run

The teacher should stay in the background and just observe. The students are supposed to create their conversations using their own creative ideas without much help from the teacher. Of course, the teacher should make sure that the atmosphere within the classroom is suitable and not too loud.

Help and Vocabulary

Phone Call:

Beginning:

Restaurant Manager: “Hello, this is … from … restaurant. I would like to order some supplies.”

Dahlem Farmer: “Sure, what do you need?”

R.M.: “I would like some …”

Ending:

D.F.: “Is there anything else you need?”

R.M.: “No, that would be all, thank you.”

D.F.: “You’re welcome.”

Tipps:

• Have fun and enjoy the little play!
• If you speak another language than German/English make use of it à say Hello/Goodbye in your language
• Ask for details à How much of each ingredient is needed? What restaurant is the manager working in (Chinese, Turkish, Italian…)?

Vocabulary: