Do As I Say: Operations, Procedures, and Rituals for Language Acquisition

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Do As I Say is an action-driven, photocopiable resource that brings “learning by doing” to the center of the ESL/EFL classroom. The book features three categories of sequential tasks―operations, procedures, and rituals― each designed to immerse students in hands-on language use. Whether students are manipulating everyday objects, following multi-step processes, or practicing predictable conversational exchanges, they acquire vocabulary, grammar, and functional language naturally through performance rather than memorization.

Operations offer students the chance to physically manipulate equipment or objects, giving language meaning through movement. Procedures guide learners through a structured sequence of steps―for example, assembling something, conducting a simple experiment, or completing a task that requires accuracy and cooperation. Rituals highlight the conversational patterns that accompany these actions, helping students master the predictable, formulaic language used in real-life interactions.

Clear teaching notes at the back of the book outline the vocabulary, grammatical structures, and communicative goals of each activity, allowing instructors to implement lessons confidently and with intention. The activities are highly engaging, kinesthetic, and ideal for learners who benefit from interactive, task-based experiences. Because students must talk, do, negotiate, and collaborate, they gain fluency and accuracy while developing the problem-solving and social communication skills needed for authentic interaction.

Do As I Say embodies true active learning―giving students not only the words of English, but the experience of using them.

Features

• Free sample materials available to download at https://www.prolingualearning.com/do-as-i-say/
• Photocopiable collection of sequential activities built around operations, procedures, and rituals.
• Hands-on tasks that teach vocabulary and grammar through action, not drills.
• Ideal for task-based learning, kinesthetic learners, and real-world communication practice.
• Activities built around manipulating objects, following step-by-step processes, and practicing predictable conversational exchanges.
• Teaching notes clearly outline the language features and goals of each task.
• Encourages cooperation, negotiation, problem solving, and spontaneous communication.
• Flexible for pair work, small groups, or whole-class demonstrations.

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Ray Clark, co-author (with Gayle Nelson and Thomas Winters) of Do As I Say, was on the staff of the School for International Training in Vermont, USA for over 30 years as a teacher trainer for Peace Corps programs in Iran, India, and Korea, as an ESL teacher, as the director of SIT's intensive English program, as a faculty member and director of the MATESL Program, and as teacher-Director of ESP programs in Islamabad, and Istanbul. He has also done teacher training for Marlboro College and Southern New Hampshire University's MATESL program in Hanoi, Vietnam. He has authored numerous well-known books for Pro Lingua Learning.