Many lessons are full of teacher talk. Students listen, write and answer, but they do not speak. Speaking is a skill, and it needs its own practice time.
Start small
One sentence, said to a partner, is a real speaking task.
Tell your partner: I like tea.
Use pairs
In pairs, everyone speaks. In the whole class, one speaks.
Give a model
Say the sentence first. Show the shape.
My favourite food is noodles.
Set a time and a job
Two minutes each. One asks, one answers. Then change.
Do not correct during the task
Walk and listen. Note mistakes. Talk about one at the end.
Make it repeat
Same task, different partner. Repetition builds speed.
Words to remember
- speaking — talking out loud
- model — an example to follow
- partner — the person you work with
- repeat — to do again
Questions & answers
Q: What if students keep using their own language?
Give a clear task and a model sentence. Busy students use English more.
Q: How do I stop the noise?
Set a clear signal and a time limit. Busy noise is good noise.
Q: Should I correct every mistake?
No. Choose one mistake for the whole class.
Q: How do I include shy students?
Pairs first, then small groups. Never start with the whole class.
Q: How much time should speaking take?
At least ten minutes in a forty-minute lesson.