One way of involving language students in authentic tasks is through e-cards. One e-card maker in particular, Jacquie Lawson, designs cards with written directions. In this way, the cards join greetings with a mini-lesson in English. All the cards can be previewed without cost, giving language learners and their tutors or teachers some authentic material for cultural experiences.
Visit the Jacquie Lawson website. You will see a vast selection of e-cards, including all the major American and British holidays, as well as special occasions such as graduations and birthdays. Select a card to preview. The card loads, with directions to give the card a full-screen view and a good volume.
The cards usually begin with a direction to click on a certain part of the card. This action opens the card. Some of the cards include further directions to click, while other cards play on their own.
A favorite card is the very first card that Jacquie designed for Christmas. On the left column of the webpage, click on Special Dates, and then Christmas/Winter. Scroll down to "Christmas Cottage." On the right hand side, click "Preview" to look at this card.
The card shows a snug cottage covered with snow, along with directions for the viewer to click on certain parts of the scene to begin the next action. There are lots of vocabulary words, and the language exercise includes the basic teaching of James Asher's Total Physical Response, involving action joined with words. Language learners enjoy looking at the cards and learning vocabulary.
These cards are nice ways for teachers to stay in touch with their students. For a fee of $12 a year, or $18 for two years, you can send as many cards as you like. The Jacquie Lawson website keeps track of which cards you send, of the email addresses and names of receivers, and lets you know when the card has been picked up. This saves a lot of bookkeeping and helps keep track of students and clients.
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