1. Digit Dictation

STEP 1: Ask each student to write on a little slip of paper a number of 3-7 digits. (For example, the number 4,538 has 4 digits.)

STEP 2: Collect the papers.

STEP 3: Tell students you are going to do a dictation. They need not spell them; they just write the numbers they hear.

Say each of the numbers naturally–not too fast, definitely not to slow. Say them only once.

Even advanced students will enjoy the practice of comprehending these big numbers.

2. Funky Counting

Go around the room asking students to count, 1, 2, , 4, 5… That’s easy. Now we’re going to get funkier (more unusual). Each time you go around the room, make the task more difficult. Encourage students to go fast(because in real language production and comprehension of numbers should be immediate). For example:

1. Even numbers: 2, 4, 6, 8, …
2. Odd numbers: 1, 3, 5, 9….
3. Even numbers counting down: 100, 98, 96, 94…
4. Odd numbers counting down: 99, 97, 95, 93…
5. Multiples of 4: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20…
6. Multiples of 2.5: 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10…
7. Years counting down by threes: 2003, 2000,
1997, 1994…

And so on…

These counting activities work with ANY level, from beginning to very advanced. Level is determined by the speed in which learners count. Also, the moment interest begins to flag, move on. (You can come back and repeat these another day).

3. Numbers Out Loud
Someday you might end up saying numbers over the telephone. This activity may help.

STEP 1: Write these on the board

1. The year 1901
2. The year 1066
3. 2 1/2
4. 6.6
5. 3/4
6. $1300
7. $44.89
8. John77@mail.ru

ANSWERS:
There are several variations for saying most of these. Let your students know
that these are generally the shortest and most common (but not the only):

1. The year 1901 (Nineteen-Oh-One)
2. The year 1066 (Ten Sixty-Six)
3. 2 1/2 (Two and a half)
4. 6.6 (Six point six)
5. 3/4 (Three quarters; three fourths)
6. $1300 (Thirteen hundred [dollars])
7. $44.89 (Forty-four eighty-nine)
8. John77@mail.ru (John seventy-seven at
mail dot roo.)

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In the next issue (October 5, 2003)
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More warm-up activities. New Word
Origins. Some poll results.

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Copyright 2003 Kevin McCaughey & I.M. Poosheesty
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