Target name:

ES L3 ask for clarification

Target description: For a pupil to identify parts of an instruction they havent understood and ask for clarification Activity name and materials required Barrier games Outline drawings (e.g. a street scene without colour) Pens/pencils A barrier (e.g. a large book) How to do the activity 1. Play a barrier game: each person in the game has an identical outline drawing; one person, whose drawing is hidden behind a barrier gives instructions to the others to modify their pictures (e.g. colour some things in, draw objects in particular places). 2. Give a confusing instruction so that the others need to ask for clarification. For example, ask them to colour something that is not on the sheet, to use a colour that is not available. 1. Explain to the children that an alien has come to earth and does not know the English word for some things. 2. Get the alien to ask the children for an object using an alien word, e.g. Can I have the Kazoo please? 3. Get the children to then ask for clues to deduct what the object is. 4. If any of the children speak different languages get the children to give each other instructions in their own language. 1. Place cards with instructions on face down on the table. 2. Take it in turns to give
Commtap 07/07/2007

Key principles for doing the activity/ comments Talk about confusing instructions and the importance of asking for clarification.

Alien game Picture of an alien. Some everyday objects.

Emphasise that it is good to ask for clarification if we do not understand and that it can have a positive outcome.

Following instructions Instruction cards with words with unfamiliar

Page 1 of 2

Link the new vocabulary to the curriculum where possible.

www.commtap.org
TAP activities sheets for developing childrens communication have been contributed by speech and language therapists (SLTs) and specialist communication teachers from across the UK and other countries. They should be used in conjunction with advice from an SLT or specialist teacher.

You are welcome to copy these sheets, but you must include this note on all copies.

Target name:

ES L3 ask for clarification

Target description: For a pupil to identify parts of an instruction they havent understood and ask for clarification Activity name and materials required vocabulary, e.g. Find something in the room that is porous. Mix these with cards that have familiar vocabulary. How to do the activity each other instructions. Key principles for doing the activity/ comments Make it fun - not a test! The aim is for children to be confident in asking for clarification when they dont understand an instruction, and for them to be able to identify which part of the instruction they didnt understand. 1. Give the children instructions to draw something and use unfamiliar vocabulary, e.g. Draw an arachnid. 2. Alternatively be nonspecific, e.g. Colour it red (when there are a choice of things to colour), say Draw stuff. 1. Give the children nonspecific instructions such as Put your hands there. 2. Mumble sometimes or use unfamiliar vocabulary, e.g. Put your hands on your cranium. The aim is for children to be confident in asking for clarification when they dont understand an instruction, and for them to be able to identify which part of the instruction they didnt understand.

Drawing Paper and pens

Follow the leader

Take turns to give each other instructions. Mix in some real ones too. The aim is for children to be confident in asking for clarification when they dont understand an instruction, and for them to be able to identify which part of the instruction they didnt understand.

Page 2 of 2

Commtap 07/07/2007

www.commtap.org
TAP activities sheets for developing childrens communication have been contributed by speech and language therapists (SLTs) and specialist communication teachers from across the UK and other countries. They should be used in conjunction with advice from an SLT or specialist teacher.

You are welcome to copy these sheets, but you must include this note on all copies.