Dictation on the Run: an EFL Activity

This activity is called Dictation on the Run  for lack of a better name. Probably you may know it under a different name, but really what name it has is irrelevant.

I learned it long ago and I use it whenever I have a class with students who were in the previous school year parts of different groups and have decided to stay as separate units though they are now memebers of a different group. 

First, explain the activity to your students. As you can see in the picture on top you will need the lyrics of some song (preferably one they know already). Paste the lyrics somewhere outside the classrooom and then divide the class in two groups (in alphabetical order so they have to work with those they don't usually mingle with. Choose two "secretaries" per group who will remain inside the room while the others go outside. Their task will be to write down everything the other members of his or her team dictate. The others will form two lines outside the class. Each one has to approach the lyrics, read one line, memorize it, rush inside the classroom and dictate the line to his or her partner. Pick a song not too long nor too short, one that allows them to repeat the experience at least twice (that also depends on the number of your students).
You can grant one point to the team that finishes first but truly the real victor is the group that dictated everything correctly. Check the pages written down by the cecretaries and declare who wins. To finish, provide everyone the lyrics and have your class sing along.
Hopefully at the end your students will be in a joyful mood and also feel more inclined to talk to "the others".