Multi-lingual Counting

Directions

Standing in a circle or around the room, teacher demonstrates the posture levels #1-5, with 1 being on the floor, 3 neutral, 5 reaching up high. The teacher then calls out a number in random order, and players hit that level physically. When players are comfortable with the levels and corresponding numbers, the teacher asks who in the room can count to five in another language. That player then teaches the class to count in that language, and calls out the numbers one at a time like the facilitator did in English. This is repeated for however many languages are present in the room. At the end, the teacher reviews counting in the various languages.

Reflection

Describe: What did we do in this activity?

Analyze: What was challenging? What surprised you?

Relate: How will this help you remember counting in (language you are practicing)?

Possible Side-Coaching

If players are stuck on a number, ask the player who introduced that language to count from 1-5 again. “Count to five in your head.” “Look around you to see the level.”

Possible Variations/Applications

Math: Rather than changing languages, provide math equations, and ask players to hit the level that corresponds to the answer. For instance, if the facilitator says “2 squared,” players hit the level for 4; if the teacher says 2-1, players hit the level for 1.

Categorization: Rather than teaching numbers at the beginning, teach categories, such as mammals, amphibians, etc. Once those levels have been learned, name something that falls in a category, and have players hit the appropriate level.