Shape Up

Open the draw program in your word processor (In Word, go to View/Toolbars and make sure there is a check beside Drawing.) and create three or more shapes, such as a circle, a square, and a triangle. This activity works best as a review of prepositions so students can incorporate new vocabulary and commands while manipulating the mouse. Save and place the document on students' computers.

• Demonstrate the use of click and drag with the mouse, using the shapes you created.
• Point to each object, and make sure all students can identify and pronounce them.
• Drag the circle under the triangle, and ask the class, "Where is the circle?"
• Have the class tell you where to place a shape, for example, "Put the square beside the circle."
• Each student should now have the opportunity to click and drag an object following the teacher's commands.
• Now in pairs or small groups, students can ask, "Where is it?" questions among themselves, practicing pronunciation and preposition usage.
• Next, ask students to practice commands, telling each other to drag an object to a certain place. For example, "Put the circle above the square." Suggest to students not to point unless necessary.
  

• Use other objects, such as arrows and moons (in AutoShapes ), to increase vocabulary.
• Use various sizes of an object to practice comparatives and superlatives.
• Use new color names, from simple (blue, green) to more complex (turquoise, pale green) for more advanced students. For example, you can say, "Move the turquoise arrow below and to the left of the pale green rectangle."
  

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