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Grammar: Comparatives & Superlatives

Example: This mouse is bigger than that mouse.

Parts of Learning: S L R W

Time: 35~50 min.

Bigger Mouse

Submitted by: Kirsten Phillips     Borrowed or inspired from: Andrew Wood     Date added: 02-14-08     Edited by: Fiona Steele 

Brief Outline:  In pairs, students draw pictures to an assigned secret sentence and the class tries to guess which adjective + er sentence is depicted.

 

Materials Needed

  • BiggerMouse worksheet (one numbered worksheet per student and one secret sentence sheet per pair)
  • Scotch Tape
  • Markers

 

Detailed Explanation:

  1. Demonstrate the game's format using, "This mouse is bigger than that mouse." as an example.
    Take a piece of paper with the sentence written on the top and fold it over so the kids can’t see it. Then, take a marker and draw a picture of a big mouse at the top of the paper. Next, below the 'Vs' (see attachments) draw a small mouse. Hold up the picture and ask the students to guess what sentence is written at the top. They should be able to answer fairly quickly.
  2. Once they have the hang of the game, have students form pairs and move their desks together. Give every student the numbered worksheet on which they should write the 'er' sentences. Give each pair one secret sentence sheet for drawing. Make sure they don’t show it to anyone outside their pair. Have them draw the pictures and help them if needed. Some concepts may be easier to capture than others.
  3. When a pair has finished their drawing, have them fold over the top of their paper to hide their sentence and then have them hang it somewhere on the wall with scotch tape. Pairs write down their own “secret’ sentence on their worksheet before going around the classroom to figure out the rest.
  4. If the students have problems spelling or guessing the pictures, draw their attention to the Word Box at the bottom of the numbered worksheet.
  5. The pair to get the most sentences written down on their worksheet is the winner.

 

Teaching Suggestions:

  • Make sure students are familiar with adjectives used and the target grammar.
  • Set a time limit for drawing!!! This is not an art contest! Stress that only a simple drawing is needed. 
     
  • Most students like to draw but if you have a particularly uninspired class, pass out large markers.  

 

 

Cautions:

  • You may find a few perfectionists taking forever to get their masterpieces done. Hurry them along to get the race started.
  • Make sure the kids understand which picture goes where. The “this” object is meant to go above the 'Vs'. Some students may get confused.
  • I designed this worksheet to handle a full class (20 pairs) but feel free to reduce that number or have them work in groups of 3.

 

Attachments:

  

    BiggerMouse