http://www.digitalplay.info/blog/2010/03/30/10-tefl-activities-for-samorost-2/
Here’s a brief description of ten TEFL activities from the site 101 ways (and more) to use Samorost. All these activities were chosen because they cover a range of levels, location (classroom, connected classroom, computer room and home), language and skills practice. The links provided direct you to lesson plans, downloadable material and more.
1 Spot The Difference
Use downloadable flashcards for a spot the difference activity with low levels. Alternatively, higher levels can use the same flashcards to practice the present perfect and identify ‘What has happened‘ between the 1st and second picture. If that’s not enough, give out the first flashcard to intermediate learners and get them to predict what ‘will‘ happen and then give out the second picture – now then can see what is ‘going to‘ happen.
2 Who wants to play Samorost 2
If your learners have completed Samorost 2 why not do a reading activity with this fun PowerPoint quiz ‘Who knows all about Samorost 2‘ based on the popular Tv show ‘Who wants to be a millionaire?’. For the ‘phone a friend’ option I usually allow them to text someone outside the classroom (in English) and allow two minutes for a reply. ’Studio audience’ you can take a class vote (some interesting results with that – join in yourself if you like). If your learners like the game so much why not ask them ‘who wants to do a quiz about Samorost 2?‘ and get them to practice question forms and download the PowerPoint template and write their own questions and answers.
3 Poetry with Samorost 2
An acrostic poem is where you write the name of your subject vertically down a page. Ask your learners to do this with the word ‘Samorost’, and to start a line to their poem starting with a letter from the word ‘Samorost’. Alternatively, try a more traditional poem with an advanced class using a more structured approach.
4 Vocabulary Crossword
You may want to do a pre gaming or language activity (e.g. a walkthrough) with your class and a good way to pre- teach some of the vocabulary is to do a Samorost 2 crossword. Learners can get good dictionary work in while they have fun doing a crossword that targets vocabulary from Samorost 2. To change this activity from a primarily reading activity to a writing activity, learners can write down a list of vocabulary from Samorost 2 and write their own Samorost 2 student crossword.
5 Live Listening
If you have downloaded and printed off a copy of the walkthrough you can do a live listening. While your learners play the game in a computer room you use the walkthrough to guide them through the game. If some learners get further ahead than others then ask them to switch their screens off and describe to others how they have got to where they are in the game or direct the slower gamers to an online copy of the walkthrough to help them.
6 Picture dictation
Picture dictations are great for lower levels and offers a great opportunity to focus on prepositions of place. The first screen shot of Samorost 2 lends itself well to a description that makes a great picture dictation to learners who are unfamiliar with the game Samorost 2. Either use a Samorost 2 picture dictation text or make your own up. When learners have finished they can compare their pictures with the original either as a downloaded flashcard or on a screen at the front of the class if you have a computer, internet connection and the means to display the game.
7 Comic Books
Comic books are visually engaging and can help to both stimulate the imagination and provide a fun way for learners to practice writing. They can focus on direct speech elements (left) and reported speech or narrative tenses (right). Download either of the templates pictured here as well as other comic pages from the Samorost 2 game by clicking on the links in brackets above in this text.
8 Wonderous walkthroughs
8 Walkthroughs
Samorost 2 (part 1) Video Walkthrough
A walkthrough in online gaming can be a written walkthrough text, which consists of step-by-step instructions on how to complete a game, or a video walkthrough of the game being played and completed.hrough in online gaming can be a written walkthrough text, which consists of step-by-step instructions on how to complete a game, or a video walkthrough of the game being played and completed. Why not learn how to use the ‘search this site‘ and look for some ideas on how to use a video or written walkthrough with language learners.
9 Sequencing events
Download and print off a copy of the Samorost 2 action verb cards and there is plenty you can do. Learners can watch a video walkthrough and sequence the verbs in the order they appear in the video walkthrough (lights! Camera! Action Verbs!).
Once the verbs have been ordered, learners can then tell the story of Samorost 2 (Action speaks louder than words) using the verbs to help them.
Finally learners can use the ordered verbs as scaffolding for a writing activity (The Pen is Mightier Than The Sword) where they write the story of Samorost 2.
10 Verbs + Prepositions
Lots of activities and worksheets to download focusing on verbs + prepositions that cover the whole of the free online part to Samorost 2. Use password codes to skip levels to do specific worksheets or work your way through over the course of a few classes. Worksheet activities include:
Mind the gap Place the verb and prepositions in the gapped walkthrough.
Grammar jigsaw Communication gap where learners match sentences ending with a verb with a partners sentence that starts with a preposition.
Scramble! Order the words to form walkthrough sentences.
Over & Out Gap fill preposition activity
Why not check out The 101 ways (and more) to use Samorost site for other ideas, material and lesson plans.