Firstly, sorry if this idea has been posted a million times already...
Resources:
Projector, TV, screen etc
Internet Connection
Printed maps of your town/ city
Useful phrases sheet (optional)
Directions game sheet.
This is a lesson that won't work for everyone, for various reasons which will become clear as you read. I've had a good response from my students, however.
1) Start by reviewing the directions phrases they know- this could be a mind map, powerpoint or via student questioning etc.
2) I show the students a google streetview image of my house, and ask them where they think they are.
3) I then distribute maps of my town to the students and show them where they currently 'are' on the map.
4) I then ask them to direct me to different places on the map using the phrases. (I use local landmarks, or print A, B, C, and D in different places on the map), and I follow their directions using streetview. You could also get a student to follow them, using the computer.
5) Directions game. Split students into groups of roughly 4. One member of the group stands at the front of the class and is the 'directions giver'. Another student is the 'messenger', who liaises between the directions giver and the rest of the team. When the game begins, the messenger runs to the directions giver, who is allowed to give them one direction at a time (they have these written on sheets in front of them). The messenger then relays them to his team, who follow them on their map. The first team to get to the correct location wins. After each round, rotate the team roles. Remember to also include a clear starting point on the map! I just use a big arrow.
So the obvious issues with this lesson are that it's fairly tech reliant and might not work if you can't use streetview in your local area (let alone have working internet in your classroom), or you live in a really confusing place, which just isn't suitable. However, if you can, the students love it because it's essentially like walking around your city/town. Mine are always asking me about where I live, and they love 'touring my neighbourhood.' The game's also great and pretty frantic, but you need to make sure that the instructions are crystal clear and can be followed easily.
The attached powerpoint should be taken as a rough guide. Obviously if you're going to try this, it's going to be tailored very heavily to where you live. The point is that it's personal to you, which is what the students respond to. It also took me a few goes to get it right- luckily I teach each lesson at least 14 times.... Fun fun!
I appreciate many people might be turned off by the complexity of it, but I think it's worth it. You could even use a completely different city to yours if you like- perhaps somewhere exotic- as long as streetview works there, it's all good, and the point is really to give them a chance to use directions in an authentic scenario.
Any suggestions or improvements are always appreciated.
