Category: Public Speaking

Voki Lesson Plans: End of the School Year Lesson Plans

Voki Lesson Plans: End of the School Year Lesson Plans

by Voki Blog ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Another school year is nearly complete. It can be hard to keep your students focused until the last day of school. But don’t worry! We have developed new lesson plans to keep your students focused and looking forward to summer and the new school year!

Remember:  You can use Voki lesson plans for a higher, or lower, grade than the one you teach. These Voki lesson plans can be adapted and customized to fit your unique style or your students’ abilities!

Summer Short Stories –   In this lesson, students will write a short story that will take place during the summer. They will learn about the elements of a short story and pick a story topic to write about. Students will learn to edit and revise their stories. They will create a Voki to present their final story.

 

Letter to Your Next Teacher – Students will learn about the parts of a letter and how to write a letter. They will write a letter to their teacher for the following year. Students will introduce themselves and talk about their favorite hobbies, books, and subjects. They will be required to create and send a Voki to themselves and to their parents.

 

Summer Book Talk – In this lesson, students will pick a book of their choice. They will be required to do a book talk. In the book talk, students will be giving an overview of the book, explain their favorite part, and read a short passage from the book. They will be required to create a Voki to read a short passage from the book.

Have a lesson plan that you want to share with us? Send it to lessonplans@voki.com!

Until next time,

The Voki Team

Voki Lesson Plans: Spring Lesson Plans

Voki Lesson Plans: Spring Lesson Plans

by Voki Blog ♥ 5 Comments

Here comes the sun! That means spring is right around the corner. So, we prepared 3 new lesson plans to get your students ready for spring! Teach your students about similes, the life cycles of a butterfly, and how to write a limerick. We know your students will enjoy learning it!

 

Remember: The grade level assigned to each lesson plan is not set in stone. You can use Voki lesson plans for a higher, or lower, grade than the one you teach. Feel free to customize the lesson plans to fit your needs. These Voki lesson plans can be adapted to fit your style or your students’ abilities!

Spring Simile –   In this lesson, your students will learn about how to identify and write similes. Similes are phrases that compare two unrelated nouns using “like” or “as”. Students will write a short story with at least 5 similes about spring for their Voki.  The rest of the class will be required to identify the similes.

 

Life Cycle of a Butterfly – Students will learn about the life cycle of a butterfly based on the book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. They will learn that a butterfly goes through a growing process that changes their appearance and the different stages of a butterfly’s life. Students will write a short story on where they think the adult butterfly will go after they fly off.

 

Limericks – This lesson will teach your students how to write a limerick. A limerick is a short poem with five lines and a specific rhyme scheme. Your students will learn about the rhyme scheme and the rhythm scheme of a limerick. Students will be required to write their own limerick and create a Voki reciting it.

Have a lesson plan that you want to share with us? Send it to lessonplans@voki.com!

Until next time,

The Voki Team

Voki Lesson Plans: Lunar New Year Lesson Plans

Voki Lesson Plans: Lunar New Year Lesson Plans

by Voki Blog ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Lunar New Year is coming up! Lunar New Year is a very important holiday in Asia. To celebrate this upcoming holiday in Asia, we have prepared 3 new Lunar New Year lesson plans on Korea, China, and Vietnam.

 

Remember:  You can use Voki lesson plans for a higher, or lower, grade than the one you teach. These Voki lesson plans can be adapted and customized to fit your unique style or your students’ abilities!

Chinese New Year –   Students will learn about the legend behind Chinese New Year and the 12 animal zodiacs. They will look into the customs and traditions of Chinese New Year and how it is celebrated. Students will learn Chinese New Year greetings. They will create a Voki to compare and contrast New Year and Chinese New Year.

 

Korean New Year (Seollal) – This lesson will teach students the Koreans celebrate Lunar New Year. They will learn about traditional New Year’s food and how to play a traditional New Year’s game. Students will learn how to wish others Happy New Year in Korean.

 

Vietnamese New Year (Tet) – In this lesson, students will learn how the Chinese influenced Vietnamese culture. They will learn about the preparations before and during Tet. They will compare and contrast Vietnamese New Year (Tet) with their own holidays and holiday traditions. Students will split up into groups to research on 3 different aspects of Tet.

If you have a lesson plan that you want to share with us, send it to lessonplans@voki.com!

恭喜發財!

새해복많이 받으세요!

Chúc Mừng Nǎm Mới!

The Voki Team

Voki Lesson Plans: ESL/ELL Lesson Plans

Voki Lesson Plans: ESL/ELL Lesson Plans

by Voki Blog ♥ 2 Comments

Happy New Year everyone!

Let’s ring in the New Year with new Voki lesson plans! We have prepared 3 new ESL/ELL lesson plans for non-English speakers!  Your students will enjoy learning about idioms, heteronyms, and writing about current events.

Idioms (Intermediate) – In this lesson, students will learn what idioms are and some of the most common idioms used in the United States.  Idiom is an expression that means something other than the literal meanings of its individual words. The class will discuss the different idioms they have heard in the past. This lesson allows students to understand the proper usage of idioms and their meanings.  Students will create their own Voki using the idioms taught.

 

Heteronyms (Beginner) – This lesson plan will teach students what heteronyms are and the different heteronym used. Heteronyms are words that are spelled the same but have different pronunciation and meaning.  Students will discuss about the different heteronym used and the definition of each words.  They will be required to create a Voki using at least 5 different pairs of heteronyms in sentences.

 

Current Events (Intermediate) – Students will pick out an interesting news article to read. They will learn how to summarize the article, describe the article, and write about how they feel about the article. Students will be required to create a Voki presenting their article.

 

Remember: The grade level assigned to each lesson plan is not set in stone. You can use Voki lesson plans for a higher, or lower, grade than the one you teach. Feel free to customize the lesson plans to fit your needs. These Voki lesson plans can be adapted to fit your style or your students’ abilities!

Do you have lesson plan ideas that you want to share with us? Send it to us at lessonplans@voki.com!

Until Next Time,

The Voki Team

Voki Lesson Plans: Lesson Plans on English-Speaking Countries

Voki Lesson Plans: Lesson Plans on English-Speaking Countries

by Voki Blog ♥ 2 Comments

Last month, we introduced three lesson plans on Latin America. This month we are introducing 3 new lesson plans for our English speaking countries that your students will enjoy learning about: United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand! So let’s dive into the past with some famous historical figures from the United Kingdom, travel and explore the great continent of Australia, and test your hidden knowledge on New Zealand!

Remember:  You can use Voki lesson plans for a higher, or lower, grade than the one you teach. Also, you can adapt Voki lesson plans to fit your style, or your students’ abilities!

Autobiography(United Kingdom) – In this lesson plan, students will learn about famous historical figures within the United Kingdom. In a 2 page autobiography, students will research about their lives and their influence on society. As an additional classroom activity, students will create Voki clues on the historical figure that they researched.

 

Australia Travel Brochure – Students will learn about the geography and the different territories of Australia. Students are assigned to one of the Australian territories and will be required to create a travel brochure for the territory. A Voki will be created to introduce the assigned territory with 3 interesting facts.

 

New Zealand Scavenger Hunt– Students will go on an internet scavenger hunt on New Zealand. They will learn to locate the islands, cities, and bodies of water located in New Zealand. You will play a Voki with scavenger hunt clues and students will research. Students will be required to create a scavenger hunt Voki to present to the class.

 

We would love to hear how you are using Voki in your class! If you have send it to us at lessonplans@voki.com!

Until Next Time,

The Voki Team

Voki Activity Ideas

Voki Activity Ideas

by Voki Blog ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Looking for some great Voki activities for your students?

Well look no further! Tricia and Donna from 1001 Super Tools for Teachers made a great handout with Voki! As their Super Tool 991, they listed out some fun lesson Voki activities for different school subjects!

Reading/Language Arts

Did you just assign a great book to your students? Are you planning a poetry lesson? These fun lesson ideas would get your students to practice their reading and writing:

  • Have your students write a poem and get a Voki to recite it!
  • Create a Voki to describe the character or explain their motivation of their actions.
  • Teach your students how to identify the sequence of events in a story by creating a Voki.

Science

Teaching a science lesson does not have to be boring! Your students will have a BLAST with these Voki science activities:

  • Create a Voki that represents your lesson to explain and define important vocabulary words.
  • Are you doing an experiment in class? You can create a Voki to give directions on how to do the experiment!
  • Have your students create Voki to respond to class questions.

Social Studies

Learning about the Renaissance Era, the American Revolution, or the Meji Restoration? Having a great historical debate in class? Bring history back to life with these Voki history activities:

  • Get your students to create some famous historical figures to explain who they are and what they did.
  • Create Voki characters to have a historical debate on important subjects in history.
  • Have your students create a Voki to explain the cause and effect of some historical events.

Math

Vokis can be used in all types of subjects. Even math! These great Voki math activities will be fun part of your math lesson:

  • You can create an instructional Voki to remind your students on the correct ways to solve a problem.
  • Your students can create and share Vokis to help other solve a problem.
  • Have your students create Voki word problems and solve them in class.

Speech Therapy

Some of your students may have speech problem. These Voki activities will help them reach their language goal:

  • Create a Voki to articulate sounds.
  • If your students have dysfluency, like stuttering, have them create a Voki by recording their voice. Make sure to tell them to keep track of their progress!
  • Have your students record their voice on a Voki. Ask them to get peer feedback on how they are doing.

Foreign language

Voki offers 30 different languages! It’s a good way to start practicing your Japanese sentence structure, Spanish vocabulary, or Portuguese pronunciation!

  • Your students can create a Voki to practice their vocabulary and pronunciation.
  • Create a Voki using text-to-speech; this is a great way for students to practice their writing skills.

Thank you Tricia and Donna for creating this amazing Voki handout!

If you have some great ideas or feedback that you want us to know, send us an email at feedback@voki.com!

Until next time,

The Voki Team

Voki Lesson Plans: Latin America Lesson Plans in Spanish and Portuguese

Voki Lesson Plans: Latin America Lesson Plans in Spanish and Portuguese

by Voki Blog ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Are you thinking about vacation already? Well, this month’s lesson plan theme brings you and your students to three beautiful countries in Latin America.  These three new lesson plans will let your students explore the exotic culture, unique geography, and famous landmarks of Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil. Best of all, these lesson plans are translated into Spanish and Portuguese for our Voki users in Latin America!

¿Estás pensando en vacaciones ya? Bueno, el tema de este mes de planificación de clase trae a usted y a sus alumnos a tres hermosos países de América Latina. Estos tres nuevos planes de clase le permitirá a sus alumnos  explorar la exótica cultura, geografía única, y lugares de interés turístico de la Argentina, Colombia y Brasil. Lo mejor de todo es que estas lecciones son traducidos al español y al portugués para nuestros usuarios Voki en América Latina!

Você já está pensando em férias? Bem, o temado plano de aula deste mês traz para você e seus alunos  três bonitos países da América Latina. Estes três novos planos de aula vão deixar seus alunos explorar a cultura exótica, geografia única, e monumentos famosos da Argentina, Colômbia e Brasil. O melhor de tudo, estes planos de aula são traduzidos para o Espanhol e o Português para os nossos usuários Voki na América Latina!

 
Argentina Weather Forecast (Spanish) – In this lesson, students will learn about the geography and climate of Argentina. They will learn about the different regions within Argentina and the various types of weather in each region. Students will be assigned to a region to write a brief weather forecast. They will be required to create a Voki to practice their public speaking.

Pronóstico del Tiempo en Argentina (Español) – En esta clase, los alumnos aprenderán acerca de la geografía y el clima de Argentina. Ellos van a aprender acerca de las diferentes regiones de Argentina y los distintos tipos de clima de cada región. Los estudiantes serán asignados a una región para escribir una previsión del tiempo breve. Se les exigirá crear un Voki para practicar su discurso público.

Previsão do Tempo para a Argentina (Espanhol) – Nesta aula, os alunos irão aprender sobre a geografia e clima da Argentina. Eles vão aprender sobre as diferentes regiões da Argentina e os vários tipos de clima de cada região. Os alunos serão atribuídos a uma região para escrever uma breve previsão do tempo. Eles serão obrigados a criar um Voki para praticar a sua oratória.

 

Colombian Culture (Spanish) – Students will explore the different aspects of Colombian culture, customs, and traditions. Students will be assigned to one of the Colombian culture. They will create a Voki presenting their findings and what they found interesting.

Cultura Colombiana (Español) – Los estudiantes explorarán los diferentes aspectos de la cultura colombiana, sus costumbres y tradiciones. Los estudiantes serán asignados a un aspecto de la cultura colombiana. Se creará un Voki para presentar sus hallazgos y lo que encuentren interesante.

Cultura Colombiana (Espanhol) – Os alunos irão explorar os diferentes aspectos da cultura colombiana, costumes e tradições. Os alunos serão atribuídos para um aspecto da cultura colombiana. Eles vão criar um Voki para apresentar seus resultados e o que acharam interessante.

 

Brazil Expedition (Portuguese) – This lesson will take your students on an expedition around Brazil. Students will learn new vocabulary words and the five different regions in Brazil. Students will be separated into groups for a six day expedition in one of the regions. Each student will be responsible for one Voki log.

Expedición Brasil (Portugués) – Esta clase  llevará a sus alumnos en una expedición por todo Brasil. Los alumnos aprenderán un nuevo vocabulario y las cinco regiones de Brasil. Los alumnos se dividirán en grupos para una expedición de seis días en una de las regiones. Cada alumno será responsable de un registro Voki.

Expedição Brasil (Português) – Esta lição vai levar seus alunos em uma expedição pelo Brasil. Os alunos vão aprender novas palavras e as cinco diferentes regiões no Brasil. Os alunos serão separados em grupos de uma expedição de seis dias, em uma das regiões. Cada aluno será responsável por um registro Voki.

 

Remember:  You can use Voki lesson plans for a higher, or lower, grade than the one you teach. These Voki lesson plans can be adapted and customized to fit your unique style or your students’ abilities!

 

Recuerde:Usted puede utilizar la Planificación de Clase Voki para un grado superior, o inferior, a la que enseñe. Estos planes de estudio Voki se pueden adaptar y personalizar para adaptarse a su estilo único o habilidades de sus alumnos!

Lembre-se: Você pode usar os Planos de Aula Voki para um grau superior, ou inferior, do que aquele que você ensina. Esses Planos de Aula Voki podeM ser adaptado e personalizado para adaptar-se ao seu estilo único ou habilidades dos seus alunos!

 
Have a fun lesson plan that you want to share with us? Send it to lessonplans@voki.com!

Tiens un plan de clase divertida que quieras compartir con nosotros? Envíalo a lessonplans@voki.com!

Você tem um divertido Plano de Aula que você deseja compartilhar com a gente? Envie ele para lessonplans@voki.com!
 
Until Next Time,                         Hasta la próxima,                         Até a próxima,

The Voki Team                            El equipo de Voki                         A Equipe Voki

Public Speaking? No Sweat!

Public Speaking? No Sweat!

by Ashley Chaney ♥ 2 Comments

Public Speaking, like any other subject, takes practice — lots of practice.  Just think about the most common nightmare experienced by children and adults worldwide: You’re palms are sweaty. You’re feeling nervous. You finally take the stage to make your speech, then from the audience bursts laughter from corner to corner. You wonder what is wrong and you look down…

Luckily, that scenario rarely happens in real life, but the fear is real. Avoiding anxiety can actually be easy if you practice public speaking regularly. Students may not know it now, but the truth is, feeling confident speaking in front of a group will help them tremendously later in life.

From a professional atmosphere to an informal gathering, the skills acquired in a Public Speaking class can be a great personal asset. Below are a few lessons we have created to help make the subject more approachable by students. By using Voki and recording their voices (instead of using the text-to-speech feature), students will be able to deal with public speaking with greater confidence. As time goes on, students’ will develop their own style and techniques.

Remember: The grade level we assign to each lesson plan is not set in stone – you can use Voki lesson plans from a higher, or lower, grade than the one you teach – if you think they fit! Also, remember that you can adapt Voki lesson plans to fit your style, or your students’ abilities.

Personal Introductions (6th, Public Speaking) – Students will break the ice in their public speaking class using Voki. In an informal introduction, students will talk about who they are, what their goals are for the class, and who they admire. After presentations are done, classmates will know more about each other’s personal lives and in turn feel more connected and less shy.

Impromptu with Voki (7th, Public Speaking) – Speaking on the spot can cause anxiety and sweat but by practicing impromptu speeches with Voki, students will ease into a difficult task and remain calm. By using this lesson as practice once a week, students will become more adept at thinking on their feet and develop a personal style. Who knows, maybe your next student will run for president…

The Leader of the School (8th, Public Speaking and Writing) – In this exercise of imagination, students will have 60 seconds (90 seconds with Voki Classroom) to convince their classmates to elect them as leader of the classroom after being stranded on an island. The idea is to form a compelling written speech and then use Voki in order to present a concise redaction of the speech that emphasizes the main points of the student’s reasoning. Students will have fun using their imaginations and learn about persuasive speech techniques.

As always, we would love to hear how you are using Voki in class. If you have a lesson plan that uses Voki (or that can be adapted to incorporate Voki) and you would like to share, please email us at lessonplans@voki.com.

Happy learning, and have fun!

Sincerely,

The Voki Team