Imperatives

Competency: To be able to teach a lesson through the use of commands and
physical movement.
Purpose: The command sequence lesson is based on the fact that in natural
situations language learners usually develop listening skills before they are
forced to speak a lot. It allows the student to hear commands and carry them out
for a while and not feel compelled to speak before they are ready. The command
sequence lesson is very non-threatening, and adults generally enjoy it and
perform well. The first objective is to expose the student to commands and then
later have him learn to give the commands. This second part -- having the
students give commands -- may not happen during the first class.
Preparation: Have a student sit in a chair in front of the class.

Teaching:

Step 1: Give first command and use gestures to help the student understand.
    Teacher: Stand up. (Motioning with hands for student to stand up)
    Student: (Stands up)

Note: You may write each command on the chalkboard after you have introduced it
if you wish.

Step 2: Give inverse command using gestures.
    Teacher: Sit down (with gestures)
    Student: (Sits down)

Step 3: Repeat steps 1 and 2 a couple of times without gestures.
    Teacher: Stand up.
    Student: (Stands up)
    Teacher: Sit down.
    Student: (Sits down)

Step 4: Repeat steps 1 and 2 with other members of the class.
    (This step is facilitated if you know the students' names.)

Step 5: Introduce another pair of commands by repeating steps 1 thru 4.

Note: Commands are not normally introduced in pairs but in this lesson it works
out well to do it that way.
    Teacher: Stand up. (Student stands up)
    Teacher: Go to the chalkboard. (Student obeys)
    Teacher: Go back to your seat. (Student obeys)
    Teacher: Sit down.

Step 6: Repeat step 5 with another pair of commands.
    Teacher: Stand up. Go to the chalkboard. Write you name. Erase your name. Go
    beck to your seat. Sit down.

Step 7: Continue adding pairs of commands until you have introduced all the
commands you wish.
    (Change the order of commands and mix them up to assure that students
    comprehend the individual commands and do not just recall the order.)

Step 8: Have students give command.
    If students are ready and wish to begin giving commands have them do so by
    starting with step 1, first before the whole class and later with the whole
    class divided into pairs.