Here are 2 activities for ESL kids. They are not typical lessons but activities to learn a few new words like those in the title. Explain clockwise (like a clock) and counter clockwise on the board before you start the activities.

-----------------------------------------------------
From: "Elisabeth Gsoels" <ElisabethG@Rogers.com>
Reply-To: <ElisabethG@Rogers.com>
To: "Elisabeth Gsoels" <ElisabethG@Rogers.com>
Subject: Exercise of the Day!
Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2006 10:21:55 -0400

1st activity

1. While sitting at your desk, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles with it.

2. Now, while doing this, draw the number 6 in the air with your right hand.

Your foot will change direction!!!

I told you so... And there is nothing you can do about it.

This is so funny that it will boggle your mind. And you will keep trying it at least 50 more times to see if you can outsmart your foot.
But you can't!!!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

2nd activity

Try the better known example: point to the two sides of your head with your pointer fingers. Now try making counter clockwise and clockwise circles with the fingers. This is very difficult but some people can do it. Sometimes our brain is wired to work in symetric ways. That is the quick explanation.

Explain on the board the 2 meanings of counter:
1. a desk or shelf like space especially in a store (draw a picture), and..
2. against
3. the new prefix anti. Tell them it sounds like aunty and ant or ask what it sound like.

Then let them search in the dictionary to find other words that begin with anti and counter.

Next ask them to use the new words in a few sentences. Give an example to help them start.

Copyright Robin Day 2006