Earlier this week I posted some of the conversation starters that I’ve used as warm ups in my beginner ESL class this past year. I also teach an intermediate class, and even with my intermediate students, opportunities for organic conversations is one of the most important things in the class. As with my beginner classes, I also like to do these in the very beginning of the class as a warm up exercise.
These warm up conversations have proven to be invaluable in my classroom. It’s been a great way to casually evaluate my students’ progress and with the pandemic, it has also been a great way for my students to interact with people they have a lot in common with and have a little time for themselves.
- What are some things that are on your bucket list?
- If you won the lottery, what are the first 3 things that you would do?
- What are some things in your home that you can’t live without?
- Tell me about the best gift you have ever received and the best gift you have ever given.
- What’s one tradition that your culture has that you love?
- Describe three things that were surprising to you about America.
- Describe the best and worst things that you have ever purchased.
- What are some things that you miss most about your home country?
- What do you do when you have had a bad day?
- What are three of your biggest pet peeves?
What do you think about these conversation starters? How do you foster organic conversations in your classroom? Let us know in the comments.