SILLY SENTENCES is a speaking game where students have the chance to use a variety of French vocabulary to create silly sentences.
Instructions:
There are no materials needed for this activity.
Step 1. Have students sit in a circle. Choose a student to start the story. Every student is allowed to say up to three words.
For example, Student A says, "1,2," then Student B says, "3,4,5." Student C follows by saying, "6."
Step 2. The student starting the story will say up to three words to start the sentence. He/she will then pass the story to the student to the left.
Step 3. The person on the left will repeat the words said by the previous player and build onto the sentence with additional words. He/she will then pass the story to the left.
For example, Student A says, "Le petit chat ," then student B says, "Le petit chat qui danse."
Step 4. This will continue until every student has had the chance to add to the story or the story comes to an end naturally (i.e., the story has an established beginning, middle and end).
Adaptations:
1. For beginners, give a word category that they are to choose their word from to ensure proper sentence structure (e.g., noun, verb, adjective, adverb). Another option is to write the model for a sentence on the board so that everyone can see (Subject + Verb + Object).
For example, Student A is to start the sentence. Tell him/her to choose a noun and adjective. Student B is to continue the sentence and must choose a verb.
2. For more advanced students (or classes that need more of a challenge), limit the number of words that the students are allowed to say. Instead of three maybe limit them to only one or two words.
3. As an alternative, have students write the words down on a piece of paper and pass on the paper to the next person, instead of having everything done verbally.
Assessment:
This game would be an excellent opportunity to assess students' understanding of French vocabulary and sentence structure, and their ability to create simple sentences that make sense.