Introduction

This roleplay consists of students put into pairs who then create and act out their own conversation. Regarding the theme, the two roles are a farmer and a restaurant manager. The manager calls the farmer to order supplies. This teaching idea is fun because the students can be as creative as they want and it is meaningful because it can be used to practice speaking, repeating vocabulary and key phrases. 

Target group and Time

The role play 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 bring in other topics such as animal welfare (Do your chickens live outside?), or if produce is organic (Are your potatoes organic?).  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 shouldn'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 (see below) which they can use but don’t have to if they feel confident in their skills. The help sheet can also include a chart of the vocabulary with extra empty space so that the students can note down the words they know in other languages. The children should be reminded that they are supposed to mostly 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 observe as students create their conversations using their own creative ideas without much outside help. Of course, the teacher should make sure that the atmosphere within the classroom is suitable and not too loud.

A Phone Call to the Farm

Beginning the call

Restaurant Manager: Hello, this is … from … restaurant.

I would like to order some supplies.

Dahlem Farmer: Sure, what do you need?

Restaurant Manager: I would like some …

Ending the call

Dahlem Farmer: Is there anything else you need?

Restaurant Manager: No, that would be all, thank you.

Dahlem Farmer: You’re welcome!

Tips:

• Have fun and enjoy the little play!
• If you speak another language besides German (in Germany) or English make use of them! Say Hello or Goodbye in another language!
• Ask for details such as How much of each ingredient is needed? or What restaurant are you calling from? Is that a Chinese (a Turkish, an Italian…) restaurant?

Vocabulary:

Including other languages: