9 ways to use recipes for language learning

"What to do?" "What to do?"

English and foreign language teachers are often in a quandary for simple but effective class room activities. You and your language learners have to eat don't you? Well, to help get you started, briefly here are some useful ways to use recipes for foreign language learning you might want to consider and a brief look at each:

o Making a recipe preparation video

If there was ever a great way to incorporate multiple intelligences and application of multi-media into foreign language learning, then this is it. You guide your language learners in preparing a short step-by-step video of preparing a simple recipe.

o Creating a recipe poster with images

For a much more low-tech approach, why not consider having your language learners make a poster showing how a simple recipe is prepared. They can include pictures of the preparation process and the finished recipe too.

o Narrating a recipe preparation

This is yet other method very easy to use for the recipes of contact for the acquisition of language. Students tell only the process into a microphone, recording the process of production requirement as an audio file into a tape recorder, PC or laptop.

Or write a new recipe in different ways

The foreign language teacher can dictate a simple recipe for students to write. Production can then correct the class or version are available online. Dictation addressesthe foreign language learners' writing ability as well as their listening comprehension skills.

o Shooting digital images of a recipe in preparation

To get a good series of images for preparing a recipe, foreign language learners absolutely must understand the preparation steps and how ingredients are combined. Photographing the recipe preparation process will help organize the steps and process in their minds as well as provide them with picture image "manipulatives" or realia they can physically handle or manipulate during the organization process.

o Focusing on the use of a particular ingredient in the preparation of different recipes

Take a commonly used ingredient like onions or tomatoes and ask your language learners about other recipes which use that particular ingredient. Can you make juice, pastries or desserts with it? How about soup or salad?

o Preparation of simple, basic recipes in class

Language learners just love this one. You have them select and prepare a very simple, basic recipe in class while explaining the process aloud. The recipe need not be anything fancy or special - just edible.

o Having English language learners bring prepared dishes to class and explain their ingredients and preparation

This is yet another variation on simple recipe preparation. Language learners being basic ingredients to class, then prepare their offering for all to sample. A peanut butter and jelly Sandwich, Hot Dogs or a cookie sandwich hors d'oeuvres will do the trick well.

or posting videos, writing stories and recipes online

Another concept that needs to be able to include or language student recipes online. This could be the blog of the school, student newspaper or as an article online posting one of hundreds of free article banks online. You choose, but choose wisely, grasshopper.

Ways of recipes for the languageLearning

So there you have it, nine ways to use the recipes and ingredients for their learning English or other foreign languages. Why not choose one or two and put it on a possible use in your classroom learning early?

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