FISH OUT OF WATER

New Culture Activity

Overview of Activity: Adapting to life in a new culture

Suggested Time Allowance: 5-10 minutes

Outcomes: Students will there are many reasons for learning English. They will understand that when they can speak English the community also benefits.

Watching and Listening: Students and teacher will watch the interview together at the end of the episode. The students should pay special attention to the interviewees’ reasons for coming to the United States and to the particular needs for learning English.

Procedure: Discuss with students the difference between “adopting a new culture” and “adapting to a new culture.” It is important that they understand that they can “live” in a new culture without ever learning or using the native language, i.e., New York or Miami.

Activity: Divide class into at least two groups. Have the first group list as many reasons as they can for coming to the United States. The second group creates a list of reasons for learning English. Then, bring the two groups together to share their lists. Engage the class into a discussion about which is better: living with your culture in the new culture or living and adapting to the new culture?