This is a information-gap game/activity that I have used successfully in a number of classes. In the Arabic curriculum, colors and bodyparts are introduced in the same chapter, so this is an excellent activity which works to activate both. Students color in an outline of a body, and then describe these outlines to other students verbally while they color in another blank outline. When the students are finished, they can compare the original and the copy for immediate feedback.
Required Materials
- A drawn picture of the human body (something like this might be useful), with 2 times as many copies as students
- Arabic teachers: You can white out the labels from the diagram of the body on page 334 of Al-Kitaab Part 1, 2nd Edition
- Markers, crayons or colored pencils sufficient for the whole class to use
Instructions
- Each student is given one copy of the body diagram, and encouraged to color in the body however they like.
- When students are finished coloring the diagrams, collect them, and divide the class into groups of two. Shuffle the diagrams, and give back one per group.
- Students should sit back to back or in such a way that they cannot both see the picture. One member of the group takes the role of describing the picture, while the other has a blank diagram that they color in according to the description that the student provides (in the target language of course). When they are finished, they can compare the original and the copy to see how well they communicated.
- When a group is finished, the teacher gives them another picture and the students switch roles and play the game again.
