The movie Kenny is, in my opinion, a masterpiece of Australian cinema. It is one of those mockumentaries that is so well done that, unless you knew better, you could be easily forgiven for thinking it is a real documentary. The realism of it also makes it perfect for exposing your ESL learners to everyday Australian conversation in action. Oh, and it might just give them a bit of a laugh as well...
I got the idea for the following clip after a recent stay in hospital for an operation. During the pre-op, I had to lie in a bed and listen to an old fella carrying on in rather similar fashion to the way Kenny's dad does here.
Activity sheets for learners and teachers:
3_VPAU502_EL1_The_reluctant_patient
3_VPAU502_EL1_TG_The_reluctant_patient
Cert III ESL (Access) Documentation:
Unit C21 (VPAU502): Engage in casual conversation and straightforward spoken transactions.
Element 1: Interpret a casual conversation on everyday topics
Performance Criteria 1.1: Identify context/situation and relationship between speakers
Performance Criteria 1.2: Outline main topics, and opinions or attitudes expressed
Performance Criteria 1.3: Locate supporting details and implied meanings, where apparent
Performance Criteria 1.4: Identify emotional state/attitude of speakers where apparent
Performance Criteria 1.5: Identify some conversational strategies used
Performance Criteria 1.6: Identify requests to clarify misunderstandings and ambiguous points
After seeing what your learners can glean and learn from the exchange, there are lots of different ways you could generate conversation and discussion with your class (for example, hospital experiences, opinions about hospital costs or doctors, dealing with older people, etc.). For discussion, your learners may benefit from the conversational strategies outlined here.
See more English Oz.
;-)
