Objectives

Level 1-2

• Follow basic directions pertaining to movement
• Express that you are lost
• Recognize common abbreviations in addresses (Ave., Blvd., Dr., Rd., St.)
• Ask for, give, and follow simple directions
• Understand that the word “right” has two meanings: the opposite of “left” and the opposite of "wrong"
• Describe a building's location relative to other buildings and landmarks, using prepositions (beside, across from, next to, behind, in front of, on the corner of, on the left, on the right, straight ahead, etc.)
• Understand vocabulary pertaining to directions such as "stop sign", "traffic light," "construction," etc.
• Read a basic map: identify street and freeways
• Indicate which direction is North, South, East, West on a map and recognize their abbreviated forms (N, S, E, W)
• Identify types of transportation
• Interpret simple schedules and fares
• Request information about schedules

Level 3-4

Objectives for Level 1-2, plus:

• Read an authentic city map: identify street and freeways
• Use map to find a given place
• Record directions given orally
• Clarify directions given orally
• Discuss types of transportation
• Plan an itinerary
• Discuss traffic accidents

Oxford Picture Dictionary Resources

Basic Oxford Picture Dictionary (Red)

• Prepositions I, p. 54 (These are presented along with Clothing, placing shoes in/behind/under boxes, so you can use this as a review)
• If needed, Prepositions II, "On the Road," p. 78-79
• The Community, p. 68 (This is really for next week, but may be useful when talking about maps and prepositions. "The bank is next to the pharmacy", etc.)
• Transportation, p. 76

Oxford Picture Dictionary (Black)

• Prepositions, p. 13
• Prepositions of Motion, p. 105
• City Streets, p. 88-89
• An Intersection, p. 90-91
• Public transportation, p. 104

Web Resources

All Levels

• Basic lesson idea including a JAZZ CHANT at the end

Beginner

• Giving directions: by foot, by car, by bus, etc
• Dialogue for asking for directions
• Lesson plan idea for giving/asking for directions

Intermediate

• Online matching game. This is web-based, but you can print out one of the quizzes and just give it to students., or center a game around it
• Script for a web-based true/false quiz; it has a map, as well as several statements like “The hotel is next to the bank”. You can use this to teach/reinforce prepositions and positional language, or just use the map and create your own activity.
• More complicated dialogue, with questions to reinforce comprehension
• Great role play set-up involving the class; has a public transportation map which is a bit complicated; feel free to use these cards and this template for your own activity involving a simpler map.

Advanced

• Arbitrary building that includes a map and directions from several places; you can do something similar with a local building/site, etc
• See Intermediate Web Resources above

Resources at Kestrel Heights

Maps

• LifePrints: ESL for Adults, Level 2 - Map of the US on pages 150-151 could be photocopied fairly easily.

Beginner

• LifePrints: ESL for Adults, Literacy Level - p. 25-29, In My Neighborhood. Practice writing addresses, matching pictures of community buildings with their titles, recognizing signs. (L1)
• Taking Off: Beginning English - How Do You Get To Class? (L1)
• Asking for Directions, p. 148-149
• Road Signs, p. 153
• Reading a Bus Schedule, p. 155
  
• English for Everyday Activities - Picture stories using the simple past tense (L2 - L3)
• Taking A Bus, p. 20
• Driving A Car, p. 22-25
• Taking a Train, p. 26
• Taking a Taxi, p. 27

Intermediate / Advanced

• Book of Forms for Everyday Living - p. 48, Driver's License Application.
• LifePrints: ESL for Adults, Level 2 - p 44-56, Driving A Car. Sample driver's license application (p. 50), Traffic Signs, Parking Regulations, etc.

Other Ideas

• Give students maps, and then read aloud some directions, including a starting and stopping point. Ask students where they end up.
• Have students write directions to their house, or from their house to Kestrel Heights (or the Library, wherever your class may be). If this proves to difficult, or you think it’s too difficult, ask students for directions to the bathroom in the building, or the grocery store across the street, etc.