Introduction

In this blog I have prepared some extension activities to add up to the work done in class in the unit of 'Food'. 


I have posted several entries with diferent material to cover the four linguistic skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The order of the activities is as follows:


1. 'Word Search - Cooking Verbs' - In this activity students need to find the words and then write sentences with the words. The vocabulary should have been covered in class before students attempt this activity.


2. 'Gap Fill - How to Cook a Shepherd's Pie' - In this activity, students need to watch the video and then fill the gaps using the words in the box at the bottom. This listening and reading activity introduces a traditional English recipe. Students should have covered in class cultural aspects such as traditional food in the UK.


3. 'Sequencing - How to Roast a Chicken'. In this activity, students need to watch the video and then write the sentences in the right order. This listening, reading and writing activity introduces another traditional English recipe. 


4. 'Presentation about Food'. In this activity, students need to watch the videocast and then prepare a presentation answering the questions I ask. They have to talk for two minutes. This is a listening and speaking activity.



To complete this task, I have tried to use some of the tools seen in Unit 6 such as blogger, HotPotatoes, PuzzleMaker, TaskMagic and Podomatic. I have been successful using tools such as Blogger and PuzzleMaker. However, I have encountered some technical problems with the others, as I explain on the next post.

Problems encountered completing this task

I have encountered some problems completing this task. Below there is a list of them: 


Podomatic:
I created a podcast but I couldn't embedded in this blog, so I had to end up recording the presentation using Blogger. After that, I realised that this could not be seen, so I ended up using Voki (although I also encountered some problems)


Hotpotatoes:
I created a JMix activity but I didn't know how to use it. I think in order to use HotPotatoes you need to have time to watch tutorials and ask people so that you understand how it works. I  read all the help information and wasn't able to get it right.


TaskMagic:
I downloaded the free trial software, but with that I think you can see and use already-made resources, but you can not create your own. I wasn't able to find a way to create my own so I couldn't use it. In addition, I am not sure whether I would have been able to embed the activities in the blog.


Microphone:
I don't have an external microphone to plug it to my computer, I only have the one that is built-in. When I use Skype it works perfectly. However, when I recorded myself the volume was too low and you can hardly hear me. I haven't been able to increase the volume so I guess that when you record podcasts or videocasts, you may need a microphone.


Voki:
I created a Voki podcast following the instructions from Mónica and after completing all the steps I wasn't able to embed the podcast. After trying many times, I have added the link so you can access the podcast. It is not the best way but at least you can listen to it.

Presentation about 'Food'

In this activity, you will have to prepare a two minutes presentation about Food. Listen carefully to the questions I ask you in this videocast below and then answer them. Remember that you will only have two minutes!!

http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?partnerID=symbaloo&scid=6278817&height=267&width=200

*The quality of the recording is not that good (the volume is too low) so here you have the questions you have to prepare in your presentation:


1. What is your favourite food?


2. Do you prefer junk food or healthy food? Why?


3. What food is traditional in your town?


4. Who does the cooking at home?


5. Why do you think healthy food is good for you?

How to Roast a Chicken

In this activity you have to do the following:
1. Watch the video
2. Watch the video again, look at the sentences below and put them in the right sequence.
    (Write the sentences in the right order in your exercise book)
    

How to make a roasted chicken with lemons and thyme:

Bake 30 minutes.

Make the gravy.

Prepare for roasting and cover.

Prepare herbs and spices.

Remove foil and add more lemons.

Roast until golden brown.

Rub seasonings into the meat.

Serve on a plate with the gravy.

Slice and cut up lemons.

Slide lemons under skin and inside the chicken.

Gap Fill - How to cook a Shepherd's Pie

In this activity you need to do several things:


                     1. Watch the video.
                     2. Watch the video again and read the script.
                     3. Fill the gaps with the words in the box 
                         (write down your answers in your exercise book)

Script

Today we are going to cook a Shepherd´s pie, the quick and easy way. You will see the list of ingredients on the side bar.

Step 1, first you will need a fresh and brown new (1)________. Once the meat is brown you will need to remove some of the grease. Next, place the chopped onions into the meat and cook them until they are soft. Then, push the meat and (2)_______ to one side and take the flour and sprinkle it in the bottom of the pan. You want to brown the (3)_______ and add the rest of the flower until you see its browning.

Once the flower has browned and mixed nicely with the meat and the onions, add the (4)________ to create a medium to thick gravy. After the meat, onions and gravy are mixed evenly add your steamed (5)__________. Continue mixing.

Put the meat and vegetables to the side. Now we are going to prepare the (6)__________. I am using instant roasted garlic mash potatoes to make it easier. Just follow the instructions in the side of the box.

On a side note, before adding the (7)________ to the top of the meat and the vegetables you may want to add a little bit of water to add to get to the right thickness.

Add salt, (8)________ and garlic to taste. If it seems a little thin you will need to cook a little longer. Give it one good last stir and smooth out your meat and vegetables.

Step 3, place the cheese evenly on top of the meat and vegetables. You see, most others place the cheese after the potatoes, but we are going to place it between the meat and potatoes to create a nice cheesy (9)_________.

Step 4, scoop the potatoes evenly over the cheese. Largely (10)_________ out the potatoes and be sure to leave a little texture.

Last, we will place it in the oven uncovered and (11)________ for about 18 minutes on 350ºC or until the potatoes have slightly browned. And that is how the teacher makes Shepherd´s pie the quick and easy way.


______________________________________________________
bake           potatoes             pepper           meat            water            vegetables 
          onion             cheese               sauce           spread          flour                      
______________________________________________________

Word Search - Cooking Verbs

This activity has been created at:
 http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/code/BuildWordSearch.asp

In this activity, you have to find the verbs in the word search. When you find all of them try to write one sentence with each verb.

Cooking Verbs

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ADD	BOIL	CHOP
CLEAN	COOK	CUT
MIX	PREPARE	SCOOP
SMOOTH	SPREAD	STEAM
STIR