1. Find a partner.

2. Take turns making sentences that are true for you, beginning with the words "I can't . . ."
      Think about school life, social life, and home life.
      E.g. I can't swim. I can't do math. I can't drive a car. I can't make many friends.

3. Repeat all the sentences, using "I haven't yet . . ."

4. How does it feel? Is it any different?

5. What does "I can't . . ." really mean?

Purpose

This activity supports students in realizing how language affects their perceptions, and how they can use responsible statements to empower themselves.

Based on an idea in Siccone & López, 2000, pp. 164 - 165.

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Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Appendix F Appendix G Appendix H
Appendix I Appendix J Appendix K Appendix L Appendix M Appendix N Appendix O Appendix Q

PGL1 Conference Proceedings:

Topic Index Author Index Title Index Main Index

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