Talk Like a Robot

Students listen to instructions and carry them out while pretending to be robots, copying the teacher's robotic voice and movements.

Procedure

1. In a flat, computer-like voice say: We're all robots now. Hello, robots! It's good to see you.
2. Encourage students to copy the robot voice. Point to them and say: Robots, can you say something? Praise attempts and model the robot voice. Get the whole class to repeat.
3. Give instructions with robot-like actions for students to copy:
   • Walk like a robot.
   • Dance like a robot.
   • Write on the board like a robot.
   • Make a phone call like a robot.
   • Play football like a robot.
   • Drink a glass of juice like a robot.
4. Continue with more instructions, letting students suggest their own.

Tips

• Add slowly or quickly to instructions for older children: Walk slowly like a robot. Eat an ice cream quickly like a robot.
• Play robot "Simon Says": students only follow instructions that include the word robot. Those who act on instructions without robot sit down and miss a turn.
• Use question forms for variety: Can you play football like a robot? Can you say "hello" like a robot?
• For older learners, substitute well-known public figures for "robot" (e.g., Walk like [actor name]).
• Once students are comfortable, give surprise combination instructions mixing new and previously learned language: Sing like a robot. Walk like a duck.