Class theme/topics discussed:
Stereotypes about Russia and Russians

How did you pick this theme or topic?
From last year’s materials

How did you present the material? (handouts, group work, general discussion, student presentations, etc.)
Brainstorming, painting, group discussion.

How did students react?
They were very excited and willing to talk a lot.
Did they engage with each other and you
yes

What materials or media did you use? (articles, satellite tv, digital projector, etc.)
TV, computer, Internet
Please attach a copy.

Would you recommend this activity for a future class?
yes
Why or why not?
It is an interesting topic and everyone (who reached Intermediate and Advanced levels) has something to say.

Lesson plan 8
Russian Conversation
09/25/08

Warm-up (5 min):
News of the day (presentation)

Introduction (15 min):
Make a crossword “Russian stereotypes” on time.

Brainstorming (10 min)
Look at the pictures and say what do you think when you hear “Russian”.
• Discuss with your partner some stereotypical Russian features and draw an average Russian person. Present your work describing every detail of what you’ve depicted.

Practice (30 min)
Debates: choose one sentence and discuss if it is a true or false stereotype.

1. В России много мафии, и там опасно.
2. На улицах России можно увидеть медведей.
3. В Россию очень трудно попасть, нужно слишком много документов и времени.
4. Экономика России очень слаба, и страна в целом очень бедная.
5. Русские носят шапку даже летом.
6. Зима в России очень холодная!
7. В России много расистов.
8. Русские недружелюбны.
9. Русские много пьют!
10. Путин и Медведев – новые цари, и в России никогда не будет демократии.