Honouring Diversity
Christine Johnson
This activity is aimed at students in Division III, so grades 7-9, but could likely be adapted for any grade.
Objective:
Increase understanding and awareness in students about expressive language disorder.
Materials:
A device to show a video clip online - Smartboard, projector and computer,....etc.
Pictures of animals or objects, one for each students in your class.
The Plan:
1. To start the activity, have the students watch a clip from the video below. It can as be found on YouTube. The entire vodeo is placed here, but the section that relates to expressive language disorder is found between 34:48 - 42:35. The video talks about children who have troubles with oral expression, and this is similar to students with expressive language disorder.
This activity is aimed at students in Division III, so grades 7-9, but could likely be adapted for any grade.
Objective:
Increase understanding and awareness in students about expressive language disorder.
Materials:
A device to show a video clip online - Smartboard, projector and computer,....etc.
Pictures of animals or objects, one for each students in your class.
The Plan:
1. To start the activity, have the students watch a clip from the video below. It can as be found on YouTube. The entire vodeo is placed here, but the section that relates to expressive language disorder is found between 34:48 - 42:35. The video talks about children who have troubles with oral expression, and this is similar to students with expressive language disorder.
2. Start a class discussion about how hard it would be to communicate if you had this disorder. At this age level, the students should be able to contribute meaningfully. Ask guiding questions like "Do you think students with this disorder have difficulties in school? Out of school? With making friends?"
3. Begin the activity. Divide you class into pairs. Give each member a picture of an animal or object. They will have to describe what picture they have to their partner, but there will be rules about what words they will be allowed to use. The students will also be timed in order to make them feel the anxiety that a students with expressive language disorder would
feel.
Sample Rules
1. Start with the students describing the pictures normally so they can set a time to compare the other rounds to.
2. Students cannot use words that contain the letter "C"
3. Students cannot use colors to describe the object.
4. Students cannot use hand gestures.
5. Students cannot use the letter "E"
6. Students cannot compare the object or animal.Ex. "It is like a dog, but found in the woods."
You could do this activity with one rule at a time, or play with combining the rules depending on your students.
4. Class discussion about activity. Ask the students what they found. Ask guiding questions about what it would be like to speak like that everyday. You could do a written assignment with your class around this activity as well.