Conversation Cards

When people are filtering in to an ESL class (or any class), it can be awkward to sit around together, waiting to see who else will show up, trying to make small talk, but not starting the lesson yet...especially when it is adults, especially when they don't speak English very well, and especially when you don't really know each other.

I've started doing something for that time before the lesson starts to work on getting to know each other, and also for my students to practice speaking.

I write 6-10 easy conversation questions on individual index cards, and put them facedown on the table we'll be working at. The questions sometimes relate to the topic of the day, sometimes they are just small talk. I also try to think of a variety of types of answers when I write the question, for example, simple yes/no answers, single word responses, and longer sentences.

I'll start by drawing one and reading the questions out loud, showing the question to anyone who is sitting there, and then I'll answer first.  For example: "What is a TV show that you like? I like cooking shows. Do you like cooking shows? Where they show you how to cook? What TV shows do you like?" And then I try to have them answer.

Then I have the students take turns choosing cards, reading the question, and we each take turns answering it. When everyone is there, I just put away the rest of the cards for another day and start the lesson.

Here are some of the topics and questions I've done so far:

Morning Routines:
What do you like to eat for breakfast?
What are you wearing today?
What time did you wake up today?
Do you like to take a shower at night or in the morning?
What time do you like to wake up?

Hobbies:
Do you have any pets?
Do you like to go swimming?
Do you play any sports?
Do you prefer the mountains or the beach?
What is a movie or TV show you like?
Do you go to church? temple?
What do yo like to do on Saturdays?
Where would you like to travel?
Have you gone on any trips lately?

Seasons:
What do you like to do in the summer?
What is your favorite season?
What month is your birthday?
What is your favorite holiday?

Weather:
Do you like the weather in Colorado?
Do you prefer rain or snow?
What is your favorite weather?
What do you think the weather will be like tomorrow?