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Teaching Character Words by Using Zodiac SignsMei-hsiu Lai

laimichelle2006 (at)dlit.edu.tw

De Lin Institute of Technology (Tucheng, Taiwan)

Introduction

Teaching character words is always a challenging task for teachers because these words are abstract; that is, they exist in our thoughts or ideas but do not have a physical or practical existence. It is not fun or wise for teachers to present students with a long list of character words and ask them to memorize them and wait for a quiz. Diligent students do take a lot of time and efforts to put them into their memory but forget them in a really short time. Working with prepared activities provides students with very good opportunities to expand their knowledge of character words and meanings

Step 1. Prepare a handout of Zodiac-sign descriptions like the following.Step 2. Find out which sign of the zodiac students were born under.Step 3. Do you agree or do you disagree with these personality description words?Step 4. Share with Peers (1)

Step 5. Share with Peers (2)Step 6. Share with Peers (3)Step 7. Collaboration Task (1)Step 8. Collaboration Task (2)Step 9. Follow–up Homework: Personality Profile

Teaching Character Words by Using Zodiac Signs

Mei-hsiu Lai

Unit: MyselfTopic: Personality Tralts

Sub topic: Personality CharacteristicsMattayomsuksa 1

Vocabulary

zodiac

Vocabulary

astrological signs

Vocabulary

humanity

Structure

Personal Adjective

Subject verb to be adjective+ +

An adjective is a word which qualifies a noun, that is, shows or points out some distinguishing mark or feature of the noun. Glancing at the following list of personality adjectives clarifies the meaning and function of other Descriptive adjectives can be divided into different categories such as colors, sizes, sound, taste, touch, shapes, qualities, time, ages and also personality adjectives.

For example

I am dependable.

Subject

verb to be

adjective

They are generous.

Subject

adjectiveverb to be

He is creative.

She is curious.

Subject

Subject

verb to be

verb to be

adjective

adjective

Character Words

Step 1 Find out which sign of the zodiac you were born under.

Q1. I was born on ___________ (birth date).Q2. I am a/an ______________ (sign).

Step 2 Do you agree or do you disagree with these personality description words?Q3. Which two traits do you think are true about you? List a reason for each.(1) I am __________.Reason:_____________________________________.(2) I am __________.Reason:_____________________________________.(Sample Answer: I am creative. I hate old and repeated stuff. I love everything presented in its unique and fresh style.)

Q4. Which two traits about you do you think are false? List a reason for each.(1) I am not __________.Reason:__________________________________________.(2) I am not __________.Reason:__________________________________________.(Sample Answer: I am not tense. I always feel relaxed in my daily life.)

Step 3 Share with Peers

- Work in pair. - Don’t pair up with the same signs.- Introduce the characteristics of your own sign to their partners.

Step 4 Collaboration Task- Make a group of 4 people.- Choose five character words to portray a teacher, a celebrity, or a person known by all classmates. - Tell the whole class why they choose these five words to describe the target person.

Step 5 Follow–up Homework: Personality Profile

- Choose a member of your family. - Categorize character words to describe this family member.

Personality Profile of My Sister

How would you describe your sister in terms of:(a) ability: sharp and talented(b) attitudes toward study/work: devoted and reliable(c) attitudes toward life: optimistic and calm(d) attitudes toward people: sociable and patient

The example of personal profile