Keep Talking: Communicative Fluency Activities for Language Teaching (Cambridge Handbooks for Language Teachers)

I own about 20 or so of the Cambridge Handbooks for Language Teaching and while they all have their own particular strengths and merits, Friederike Klippel's Keep Talking is definitely one of my top three of the series. Both my students (Korean and of all ages) and I have enjoyed and benefited from a considerable number of the activity ideas in Keep Talking.

I've used the activities extensively in both classrooms of thirty and in one-to-one situations with privates. Aside from the sheer number of activities on offer here, a large number of them have supplementary materials included and which are easily photocopied, meaning you can literally select, copy and go.

While it wouldn't be fair to say that the activities in Keep Talking can underpin entire lessons by themselves, what they can do is substantially reinforce a wide range of English grammar points, but with the added benefit of doing so whilst engaging a number of different learning styles, especially visual and (in places) kinesthetic.

This book is packed with ideas for conversation classes. The photocopiable material cuts out on the preparation time. There are hints as how the activities can be adapted to your own class. This book is a helpful companion during lesson preparation. If you ever run out of ideas, there is surely something in there.

The activities are carefully introduced and it is indicated what at what level they are suitable. Some of the activities, however, are overused in EFL teaching.

Like me, I am sure their are many teachers out there who are aware of the increasing demands to include 'speaking and listening' into their planning. Then this is the book for you. Not one of those books that you buy and keep on the shelf, but a real workable manual of useful tips and ideas, with photocopiable worksheets and many ideas for lesson planning. It is presented with clarity and accessability in mind. Clear sub-headings include, aims, level, organisation, time procedure and variations in all suggested activities. If you are looking for ways to stimulate children in the classroom and keep in mind your time mangagement, then this is a 'must buy'.