Voicethread: Listening & Speaking Practice Using the Simple Past

Details

Activity Description

VoiceThread is no longer free for educators. An educator account is now $79 yr. Am hiding until we decide what to do. (6/24/15, LS) In this activity, ESL students listen to and respond to 10 questions about themselves using the simple past tense of the following verbs: eat, be, start, drive, ride, walk, go, wake up, wear, move. Student headsets with microphones are required for this activity.

Preparation

1. In order to use VoiceThread in the classroom, students must have an e-mail address, basic computer skills, and a Voice Thread account. Create an account for yourself then help your students create an account by following these instructions:
   • Visit the main Web Site link (below).
   • Select Register and provide the information requested. Have each student use the same password and write down each student's e-mail address to help avoid future log in problems.
2. Review the activity shown above as the Web Site Example. Be sure students have been taught the past tense of the verbs used in the questions and have the necessary vocabulary to respond appropriately before conducting this activity in class.

How-To

1. Review the grammar and vocabulary needed to respond to the 10 questions.
2. Direct students to the Web Site Example shown above.
3. Have them sign in using their e-mail address and password (model this using the projector with your sign in and password). The first time they log in, they will be prompted to upload a picture. You can have them do this now or at a later time.
4. Display the first slide using the projector (make sure the speaker volume is turned up so students can hear the instructions as they are read to them). Show students they can move to the next slide by pressing the arrow button on the right.
5. Demonstrate how to respond to the first question: Select Comment and then Record (select Allow if prompted) and be sure to select Save when you are finished recording. Point out that the response can be seen by selecting the student's image. Students can also delete their own responses by selecting the garbage can icon.
6. Have students respond to the first question. Help those who need assistance.
7. Have students respond to the 10 slides independently.
8. Have students listen to the other students' responses to the 10 questions independently.
9. Next, ask questions about the students. For example, "Who ate fish for dinner last night?" or "Who rode the bus to school today?"

Teacher Tips

• VoiceThread allows registered users to create only 5 FREE VoiceThreads per e-mail address.
• To get 5 more VoiceThreads, create a new account using another e-mail address.
• Make sure you have the latest version of Adobe Flash as VoiceThread uses Flash.
• No single uploaded file can exceed 25MB with the free account.
• To upgrade your account, visit VoiceThread Products page for information.

More Ways

To create your own activity:

1. Visit the main Web site using the link immediately above these instructions, and select Sign In and provide your e-mail address and password.
2. Create an activity related to the topic you are covering in class that requires students to listen and speak. Create one document for each VoiceThread slide using a word processing, spreadsheet, or presentation program (file types accepted include DOC, DOCX, PDF, ODT, XLS, XLSX, ODS, PPT, PPTX, and ODP, or an image file (file types accepted include .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, .png, and .bmp. (Landscape orientation works best)
3. Select the Create tab.
4. Select Upload to upload your slides. You can re-order your slides by clicking and dragging them.
5. Add a title to each document (optional).
6. You may choose to create a slide with detailed instructions or select the Comment button on the first slide and provide instructions through your phone, webcam, microphone, or keyboard. You may also select a color from the color wheel to draw on the prompt. Be sure to select the Save button.
7. Select Share and then Get a Link. Write down the link provided.

VoiceThread can also be used to practice and/or assess writing in addition to speaking, listening, and grammar skills.

Program Areas

• ESL: English as a Second Language

Levels

• Beginning High
• Intermediate Low
• Intermediate High

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