Alexis Finnerty
Toyama SHS
Grammar (Making Comparisons)
Comparing Planets
Target audience:SHS students
Objective: Students should be able to use comparison vocabulary (bigger, smaller, more, fewer, as much as, etc.) to compare and contrast their planets with their partner’s planets
Materials: Every student needs a worksheet (attached) and a pencil or pen
Procedure:Pass out the worksheets. Tell the students that they will use their imaginationsto create their own planets! It may be a good idea to create a planet yourself as an example and present it to the students.
First, have the students answer the questions on the worksheet. Explain any difficult words (like temperature).
Second, tell the students to draw pictures of their planets on the back of the worksheet or on their own paper. (Don’t give them more than 5 minutes for this, since you want most of your class time to be spent learning English, not drawing).
Third, put the students in groups of two and have them do janken. The janken winner (or loser) has a minute or two to explain and describe his or her planet to his or her partner. Then have the students switch roles.
Fourth, have the students compare and contrast their planets in their groups. They should come up with at least three similarities or differences. (More or fewer comparisons or contrasts can be made, depending on how much time you have).
Fifth, if you want to make it a writing activity, have the students write down three sentences of comparison and contrast. (More or fewer sentences can be written, depending on time).
Finally, call on pairs to show the class the drawings of their planets and share their comparisons or contrasts. (If you don’t have much time, you can call on only one or two pairs. If you have the whole class, you can have every pair share).
Additional information:Colored pencils, colored pens, or crayons would be nice, since they would allow the students to make colorful planets, but are not necessary. If possible, it would be good to give a blank sheet of paper to each student, because then they could draw their planets on the blank papers. Allot at least 15 minutes for this activity. 20 minutes is better. It could take up to 40-45 minutes if you have all the groups present their planets and their comparisons and contrasts to the class.