Class theme/topics discussed:
Exclamations/ “sound effects” in Russian: expressing emotions without words

How did you pick this theme or topic? n/a
How did you present the material? (handouts, group work, general discussion, student presentations, etc.)
Presentation. Discussion, acting.

How did students react?
They were enthusiastic about the presentation and this topic in general.
Did they engage with each other and you?
Yes.

What materials or media did you use? (articles, satellite tv, digital projector, etc.)
Please attach a copy.
http://prezi.com/z72tuky-nss5/interjections-and-sound-effects/ – presentation

Would you recommend this activity for a future class?
Yes.
Why or why not?
It is a fun way to practice conversational language and to master a very special part of the target language – exclamations, sighs, etc. – that as a rule vary from culture to culture and are indicative of one’s “native-ness”.

Intermediate Russian
Lesson 8
February 10, 2011

1. News of the day (Планы на День Св. Валентина?)

2. Introduction to the topic: ask them if they have noticed any special sounds that you make and that are different from the American usual ways. Like – what’s he Russian way to say – Auch! OR Euw! Etc.

Что вы воскликнете/ скажете, если вы:
Испугались
Удивились
Обрадовались?

3. Show a presentation – step by step: http://prezi.com/z72tuky-nss5/interjections-and-sound-effects/
first a picture + ask what happened, what they would say in this situation.
Then show the caption and try to elicit more options/ or make them correct the ones they suggested (to make them more appropriate, for example).
• For an advanced level, you can create a scale of reactions: from interjections to less neutral exclamation to slang ones, etc.

In the course of class session, make sure they know/ memorize the following:
Воскликнуть
Вскрикнуть
Испугаться
Удивиться
Обрадоваться
…

4. Situational play:
Give a strip of paper to each student and ask them to write a prompt for their classmates to elicit an interjection/ exclamation discussed in class.
Students exchange their prompts and play out the situations.