Comparing classrooms

Consider these images. The first classroom has nothing on the walls and the students are bored and sleeping. The second has fun things on the walls, lots of things to work and play with, and the students are happy.

Which classroom do you think would be more exciting to learn in? Why? What in the images made you choose the one you did?

If possible, discuss your ideas with a partner.

Making presentations interesting!

We can use verbal and visual aids to make our presentation more interesting.

The words we use, the ways we are speaking, and sound effects, are all examples of verbal aids. A sound effect could be the sound of rain so that we know it is raining, or a bell ringing to help us understand the setting is a school.

In movies, actors use props as visual aids. A prop could be an umbrella to show that it is raining outside, or a paintbrush for an artist.

Exploring verbal and visual aids

Let’s explore this video where TVOkids Reporter Alex talks about gingerbread houses. Be sure to note down any visual and/or verbal aids Alex uses in his presentation to make it more interesting. You may use the following graphic organizer or a method of your choice to record your findings. If you have a partner, you may do this activity together.

Complete the Visual and Verbal Aids graphic organizer in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document.

To guide your exploration of the video, you may consider these questions:

• What did you notice about the report that Alex made?
• Did you recognize anything visual?
• How did he add sounds to make his report more interesting?
• What did he do with his voice to keep the audience’s attention?

Reflection

Now that you have explored the video and recorded the aids Alex used in his presentation, reflect on these questions:

• Did the sounds and images make Alex’s presentation more interesting?
• Would you have wanted to stay tuned if he hadn’t used them?
• Can you think of another way he could have made it interesting?

Self presentation!

Now it’s your turn to create a presentation about yourself!

You may want to include:

• What do you want to be when you grow up?
• What are your hobbies?
• What is your favourite part about school?
• Something that you’re really good at
• Be sure to include at least one visual and/or verbal aid

You can use this graphic organizer to help you plan, brainstorm out loud, or write out your ideas in a list.

Complete the Presentation About Myself graphic organizer in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document.

Create

Now that you have planned out what you will share in your presentation, it is time to create! You can make a video, slides, or an audio recording.

Share

If possible, share your work with a partner. Can you identify what they used to make their presentation more interesting?

Reflection

How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.