Showtime

The objective

To discuss and decide what to watch and when to watch it

The language

Future tenses for plans: going to/present continuous

Future will for a recent decision: On Friday we´ll watch CSI.

Suggestions: Let´s.../Why don´t we.../I think we should...

Asking for permission: Can we...?/Could we...?/Do you think we could...?

Offers: Would you like (to watch)...?/Do you want (to watch)...?/Should we (watch)...?

Conditionals: If we watch CSI, then we can´t watch Lost.

For/to/because (giving reasons): I like the show because the story is good. I like it for the actors. I want to watch the news to learn what´s going on.

The set-up

Pick up a copy of a local TV guide, or download one off the internet from your home country if you think student will more or less know what the shows are about. Have enough copies ready for each group/pair.

The low-down

In open class, ask students if they watch much television. What do they watch? How much do they watch? You can ask them to speak in pairs about this too. Next, tell them that they are going to decide what to watch for the next week together. Remind them to consider their families, roommates, partners, etc. in their decision-making. They have to agree on the shows, times, etc. Ask them to write down their schedule on paper.

Now what?

Ask the class if it was easy or difficult to agree. Why or why not? Invite groups to share what they´ll watch (one of the days or all if it´s a short list) and then ask if anyone had a made similar choices--they´ll be the next to present, and so on. Ask questions about the shows and invite others to ask questions or comment also.

Time to teach

A simple activity generates a lot of possible grammar. Take your pick from above based on the problems you hear.

More talk-time

How much TV do you watch?

What are your favorite shows?

What show do you miss?

What did you watch as a child/teen?

Do you think TV is bad for you? What about for children?