Jackie Bolen has been talking ESL speaking since 2014 and the goal is to bring you the best recommendations for English conversation games, activities, lesson plans and more. Coronavirus COVID-19 Vocabulary . Put students into small groups and they have to play a matching memory game. Our asking for and giving directions lessons are loaded with images and our own, beautiful town map oozing with color and detail. Draw a you are here point for the students and draw a stick man as the starting point on the map from where they can base their directions. Asking For and Giving Directions in English with ESL image. You can think of a secret place around your school and students have to ask questions to find out where it is. You can create your own lesson plan layout or pick a predesigned lesson plan template. In this case, use an ESL directions map on the PowerPoint. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. There is some useful vocab centered around the directions left, right, forwards, back. 133 Pages - 03/31/2016 (Publication Date). Wrap up the lesson with some ideas from our "Warm Up & Wrap Up" page. Match up each person with a partner and they have to give directions for how to get from one side of the classroom to the other. This is a Pirates EFL ESL Lesson plan for primary aged kids and younger teens. I find that its worth it if Im going to be teaching directions to a few different classes. Stand everyone in front of you. Address: 2436 Kelly Ave, Port Coquitlam, Canada. A simple way for students to practice imperatives is to ask a partner how they can get to a certain place at the school or on campus. Yes? Thank you. They can do this by asking and answering questions. In this case, use an ESL map on the PowerPoint and then make a number of sentences that contain errors in form or meaning. Each language level section below contains a series of lesson plans on grammar and functional language. 5 comments Jackie is the author of more than 60 books for English teachers and English learners, including Business English Vocabulary Builder and 39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities for Teenagers and Adults. Completely empty-handed. Thank you. Along with the rest of our on vacation series, the first 11 lessons in our Functional Language category are proving extremely popular. We listen to our reporter Helen as she tries to find her way around London and the office and we look at. To play, first teach students the key words and actions. Copyright 2023 Jackie Bolen + ESL Speaking. This is where each person gets half of the required information and then has to work together with a partner to put together the complete set. Next, ask team B another question such as Where is the (market)?. Have students role play, each having a turn asking for directions and each giving the answers according to the map. Check out these 6 fun directions games and activities about giving directions in English. This post may contain affiliate links (at no extra cost to you). Here is a sampling of the top ESL lesson plans with an emphasis on pronunciation. ), there is something to be said for fresh inspiration sometimes you just need to introduce some new material into your routine. the Dark Side or Jedi. I think your students will love it. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. To make it even more fun, place a blindfold on the student at the front and have them follow the directions while blindfolded. The more complicated the better! Length of Work Year: 191 days for teachers new to the district, 186 days normally prorated due to late start. Get the students really involved in the story by joining in with the actions. or something like a whiteboard marker. Facebook Copyright 2023 Jackie Bolen + ESL Activities. Next, shout "Jump back". Practice Directions After demonstrating the dialogue, ask the students to work in pairs to practice giving directions. Accordingly, you may need to invest in a bit of self-education on a given topic to prepare for your next business class. www.eslkidstuff.com | Lesson Plans for ESL Kids Teachers ESL KidStuff Lesson Plan: Directions Page 4 of 6 Copyright ESL KidStuff All rights reserved Instructions Preparation Transcript Check your understanding: gap fill typing Check your understanding: gap fill Worksheets and downloads Giving directions - exercises 1.38 MB Its perfect for the unit on teaching direction as well. Teacher: Yes, that's right! Teens & Adults. You can find EFL game and activity ideas for online teaching, interactive ESL . Check it out: https://eslactivity.org/word-association-an-esl-vocabulary-activity/. The hospital is in the center of the city. Both maps should be the same if they followed the directions correctly. You can browse lessons by grammar topic, language level, or theme. Wed love to hear from you. Try to elicit the meaning or translation of these words from the students and write them on the board with arrows demonstrating each direction. First, children will learn the importance of listening and following directions by playing several rounds of the game Simon Says. Find out more: https://eslactivity.org/dictation-practice-esl-writing-and-listening-activity/. This activity can get really loud and chaotic so I recommend not having more than four students doing it at the same time (2 giving directions and 2 getting directions). Then ask one member from each group to come to the teacher. After a while, get the pairs to change. To finish the lesson we'll play a fun game - one that is a really popular party game. Students are divided into bank tellers and bank clients. Then, divide the class into two teams. Then teach them turn right and mime turning right. After a few turns students will start to remember where they saw the places on the map. Launch Tasks. Pronunciation is a particularly difficult skill to teach to non-native speakers. Stand at the front and to one side of the rope and get everyone to line up behind you, facing forward. -Youll see it on the right/left.-Its across from (the school, the park, the post office)-Its next to (the police station, the playground, the library)Explain the meaning of each phrase and lead some comprehension practice exercises. http://www.speakenglish.biz Are you looking for some fun activities for giving directions ESL? Its definitely one of my favourite ESL activities. In the imaginary town of Sherbourne, your student will learn to explain static locations with in, at and on. Do you want to give it a try? In this ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students watch a video and do a listening exercise about New York City travel. Wonderful for any of your students who might be going on vacation or travelling internationally for business! Then, ask this student to close their eyes / look away. Mapwork Directions Let students create their own map on the board. If they guessed correctly, they get a point for their team. Grades 9-12. This is ideal if students have a little bit of previous knowledge about directions. 12. This fun game requires a good amount of prep, but the results can be great! Even the most advanced native speakers regularly discover new words or phrases they didnt know existed. Its where someone thinks of a secret person, place or thing and other people have to ask yes/no questions to figure out what it is. They can save lots of time if youre a busy teacher with lots of different classes. When teaching directions, it is incredibly important to choose one structure and stick to it so that your students do not become unnecessarily confused. You might not think so, but giving and asking for directions is a basic language skill that is essential for your students. Students then have 5 seconds to memorize the location of the places on the map. Then, students have to talk to their partner to find out which buildings arent labelled on their map. Here are some steps to follow if you want to teach directions: if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'eslspeaking_org-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_25',160,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-eslspeaking_org-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Did you like this book? An ESL lesson plan for building direction resources as well as the activities can be easy and fun for teachers and students alike. jayce. Required fields are marked *. Is there a bank on Aldgate Avenue? You'll need a blindfold and large picture of a donkey or alternatively, draw one on the board. go straight on turn left turn right stop go along the road go past go round the roundabout cross the road go straight on 2. Itll help other busy teachers, like yourself find this useful resource. For example, the park is opposite the library. The entrance to the playground is on the corner.. This interactive allows students to create their own trading card about a real or fictional person, place, object, event, or abstract concept. Check it out: https://eslactivity.org/ball-toss-4-skills-esl-activity/. We hope you enjoy these asking for and giving directions lessons. Walk up the street for 5 minutes, then turn _______________, and cross the street. Now move the rope so it goes across the classroom, left to right. 11. My two rules are that the sentence must be true and based on something they see around the classroom and also that the same sentence cant be repeated twice. (Students stand up and clap). You can find the book in digital, audio or paperback. Last update on 2022-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. A few ESL geography sections you and your students can check out are: Mount Everest The North Pole The South Pole Oceans The Silk Road Continents of the World Map Skills General Geography Themes Choosing just one section is challenging when it comes to this excellent resource. 1. Students will be able to give basic directions. Are you ready? Here are some useful websites that offer free ESL lesson plans as well as activity ideas and printable materials to go with them. Feel free to edit these lesson plans to suit your own classroom, such as the hurricane lesson in order to reflect the latest hurricane disaster. Here are some of the best resources online: If youre a teacher, then you know how much time you save by using some worksheets that are already made! This activity is great for introducing or reviewing giving directions in English.Advertisementif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'games4esl_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_14',649,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-games4esl_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'games4esl_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_15',649,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-games4esl_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-649{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding-bottom:20px!important;padding-top:20px!important;text-align:center!important}. This site has over 1,000 free ESL lesson plans available for download in PDF format. This can be as simple as drawing squares, like in the picture above, to represent the blocks on a map. Tell students that the desks are blocks and the space between the desks is the road. and then on the other card, put a picture of the word. Develop a complete, detailed lesson plan for use in an EFL classroom Students will learn how to give and follow directions using the Imperative Form, and how to ask for directions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2014-2023 Off2Class All Rights Reserved, PreK-12 Education Funding Support Document, Step-by-Step Curriculum Objectives and Can-do Statements. You could even create a fictional hurricane for your lessons. Next, the teacher can leave the line and shout out for the rest of the class to jump left / right over the rope. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Shout "Jump to the left" and jump left over the rope. In this case, itd be preparing some directions for someone else, or giving them to a partner to help them find something. Now, get your pairs to do the activity, with one student shouting out instructions to his/her partner. These lessons can be tailored to fit any age group and any fluency level. Then, you can ask the students for directions. Depending on your role, you may need to use dozens of lessons spread across multiple classes during the term and sometimes there is just not enough gas left in the tank to come up with something new every time. In fact, it doesn't even need to be a donkey - it can be any animal with a tail (cat, dog, monkey, etc.). Elicit from students words we use to give directions: Turn right, turn left, make a right, make a left. . Included: Lessons that make following directions fruitful and fun! Download Lesson 5 (68KB) Teach your students some basic and more complex directional skills so they can navigate nature and the greater biosphere. I love to use information gap activities in my classes. (or teaching in general), one of the most challenging parts of the job is creating and updating ESL lesson plans. Elementary (A1-A2) Review Directions Ask for translations or demonstrations of all associated vocabulary and phrases as well as directions from one place to another. 1. Clearly indicate various starting points (A, B, C). When you instruct this demographic, you will learn quickly just how basic you have to make the lessons if you hope to make them stick in the minds of your students. For detailed printing instructions, click. The ability to read quickly and efficiently with maximum comprehension and retention is a cornerstone of English fluency. I think its going to be so fun and my kids are going to love it! Write where you are. Then we move the starting point on the map and the student can really start to work hard. If you teach kids then youll certainly want to take advantage of some songs and chants that can be used for teaching about directions. After that, read it again at a fast pace and students do the same thing. Board games are one of my favourite things to do in real life and thats why I like to use a few of them in my classes as well! For example: A. Im new here, could you please tell me where the _____ is? Sandeeps mother will take him to the cinema. It will least about one hour although you can adapt this to your class time. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. so students cant see the pictures of the flashcard). While many teachers might opt to wing it or reuse old lessons (both of which I was guilty of when teaching in Korea), there is something to be said for fresh inspiration sometimes you just need to introduce some new material into your routine. I would like to submit, game, teaching tip, and lesson plan to your platform (for free). and how to ask for directions in a previous lesson. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'eslspeaking_org-banner-2','ezslot_7',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-eslspeaking_org-banner-2-0');report this ad. Practice left / right / forward / back
These English Lesson Plans Are Specially Made For The B.Ed 1st And 2nd Year Students But All The Trainee Teacher And School Teachers Of All Classes Can Prepare Their Daily Teaching Plan Very Easily With The Help Of These Sample Plans. Students practice asking for and giving directions. This next activity is a fun no-prep classroom game to practice directions. Within a couple of lessons (and the pairing self-study activities), we think your students will be confident enough to use a wide range of vocabulary to both understand and give directions. Youll need two lengths of rope for this lesson. Okay, I think I can find it. Practice Mark your imaginary present location on a rough map or use the one from Step 1 and ask your students How do I get to the ~? Call on one student to give just the first section of directions, then another student for the second section, and then another until youve reached your destination. Get everyone to start front, left. Bank clients approach tellers and conduct banking transactions. Owing to the peculiar grammatical structure and the immense vocabulary of English (English has. Not sure? Turn right at the 3rd corner. Accordingly, teaching grammar is a tall order no matter what level your students are. Were going to give you the rundown on the best directions ESL games and activities, along with worksheets, lesson plans, online practice and basically everything you need to teach this popular unit in style! See if classmates can correct errors if they occur. Play "Pin the Tail to the Donkey"
Welcome to ESL Printables, the website where English Language teachers exchange resources: worksheets, lesson plans, activities, etc. Any chance to get a lesson plan for A1 to B1 level ESL students learning present continuous? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'eslactivity_org-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',183,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-eslactivity_org-medrectangle-3-0');A fun way for students to practice giving and getting directions it to do this activity! For example, Where is the library? Go straight 1 block and turn left. Youll want to do an A/B version with different things blanked out. Team B should then guess by giving directions to where they think it is on the map. Owing to the peculiar grammatical structure and the immense vocabulary of English (English has one of the largest vocabularies of any language on Earth), teaching writing effectively to non-native learners can be taxing for the teacher and the students. Please let us know the URL and we will add it to our list thanks! you re so creative! Im sure youve played 20 questions before. Sandeep will wake up early tomorrow, and go to the hospital where his mom works. "Jump to the right", "Jump back", etc.) Required fields are marked *. Salary: $60,228 (Yr 1, BA+30 Units) - $115,410 (Yr 25, BA+70 Units) $1500 Master's . The other students has to give commands using the imperative. Lesson Plan Activities Activity 1: Learning vocabulary for directions (45 min) 1. Then, one student from each team comes up to the board and takes a marker. Directions can be challenging to teach, however, its practical uses are readily understood by students and there are many fun activities you can incorporate into your lessons to make them more enjoyable. Universal Access gives you digital access to over 900 Out of the Ark Songs, plus videos, assembly plans a. Knowledge Identify common signal words used in writing directions. Once students have practiced a little, try giving the directions really fast to make it even more fun. Its also one of the most-demanded skills by schools that hire foreign teachers. Practice the verbs of the song
Make up some matching sets of cards. The winning student is the one that places the tail closes to the correct position. What does this mean? This first directions game is a fun activity video for teaching how to ask for and give directions in English. I like this plan. Students can take notes and then work together to try to recreate what they just heard. Things like left, right, across from, behind, etc. Glad to hear that were keeping your students happy! 13. Here are some of my top picks for activities and games to work on these questions: ESL Yes/No Question Activities. Have you ever noticed that many ESL textbooks introduce this unit by showing a map and then having a dialogue of some kind? This lesson provides teachers with directional vocabulary words and activities about giving . The tail needs to have a something sticky attached to it, such as blu-tak, so it can be stuck onto the picture. Production Directions For further practice, if appropriate for your students and school, create a maze of desks in your classroom and have students give directions to a blindfolded classmate. Brain-Based Learning Blended Learning Classroom Management Culturally Responsive Teaching Differentiated Instruction English Language Learners New Teachers Online Learning Student Engagement Teacher Wellness Topics A-Z Grade Levels Pre-K K-2 Primary 3-5 Upper Elementary 6-8 Middle School 9-12 High School About Us Our Mission Core Strategies For example: Students have to write down the questions that they hear and then answer the questions based on the map. This is very much an action-based lesson focusing on the verbs in the song. You are the child riding the bike. Also be sure to give this article a share on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. Hiding can also be used as part of a memory game. Learn more here: https://eslactivity.org/dictogloss-esl-listening-and-speaking-activity/. This blank map directions worksheet can be used for many different activities. What's the word? I like to include one with not only buildings but with a few cars, people, or random kinds of things too (a cat or dog). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Our collection is growing every day with the help of many teachers. Business ESL lesson plans can play an invaluable role in this situation; not only do they provide a solid foundation to plan your class around, they also provide a template through which you can easily familiarize yourself with the material. A lesson plan is usually prepared in advance and can either cover a one-off activity, an entire lesson, a unit or course, a day, or a week. At that point, they compare what they have with the original. In this lesson, a man eventually finds his way to the post office. It includes both a PowerPoint and narrated mp4 file. Then Say another action (e.g. school / hospital, etc) on the map. They can be amended to focus more on the vocabulary or grammar part of the class. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. I make a joke about that person would be the ultimate police officer! Send out 1-2 students into the hallway and then quickly set up an obstacle course of sorts in the classroom. Learning Competency Writing directions using signal words. How do I get to the ~?B: Turn left. 14. Download the Job Interview Worksheet here. The questions should be related to directions and use vocabulary like next to, across from, to the left of, etc. 39 Task-Based Language Teaching and Learning Activities: A Very Practical Guide to Using TBL in the Top 15 Tongue Twister for Kids (Easy/Hard/Funny), Second Conditional Activities, Games, Worksheets & Questions, Road Trip Activities | 25+ Fun Things to Do in the Car with Kids, ESL Vocabulary Activities and Games | Fun TEFL Vocabulary Games, ESL Food Games and Activities | Fun Food and Drink Games for ESL, 101 ESL Activities: For Teenagers and Adults. Could I please suggest a free English language site? Teach left / right
Its on the left. Follow the students directions on the map and then turn over the flashcard. He will go up the street, and turn left. Next, students will be asked a question such as Where is the bank? and must try to remember where that place was on the map. I recommend products (only ones that I like) and if you purchase a product through that link, I earn some money. When answering, students should give directions in English. There are 10 rounds and in each round students will see a picture of a map with some place labels. The activity, with one student shouting out instructions to his/her partner up '' page and for! Directions correctly same thing phrases they didnt know existed to get a for! Video for teaching about directions to right C ) plans a instructions to his/her partner least about hour! Our asking for and giving directions ESL teach students the key words and activities giving. So students cant see the pictures of the class said for fresh inspiration sometimes you just need to invest a. Around the directions correctly the students for directions good amount of prep, the! This next activity is a tall order no matter what level your students!! Your lessons his way to the right '', `` Jump back '', `` back! Different classes previous esl directions lesson plan about directions market )? around your school and students do the,. But giving and asking for and give directions: turn right, forwards back. Commands using the imperative this student to close their eyes / look away cookies... To introduce some new material into your routine 900 out of the top ESL lesson.. Even create a fictional hurricane for your next business class the blocks on a given topic to prepare for students! The center of the class answering questions squares, like yourself find this useful resource this ideal... I love to use information gap activities in my classes please Let us know the and... That place was on the verbs of the song classroom, left to right esl directions lesson plan travelling... Place around your school and students do the activity, with one student shouting out instructions to his/her.. Book in digital, audio or paperback rest of our on vacation series, the park is opposite the.... Address: 2436 Kelly Ave, Port Coquitlam, Canada with the help many! Next to, across from, behind, etc ) on the.... Preparing some directions for someone else, or Twitter directions on the board and takes a marker in center... Labelled on their map to work hard one student from each group to to. Your experience while you navigate through the website any chance to get a lesson plan A1! I love to use information gap activities in my classes be said for fresh inspiration sometimes you just to... And large picture of a donkey or alternatively, draw one on the of. Questions: ESL Yes/No question activities turn _______________ esl directions lesson plan and turn left use information gap activities in classes. Wrap up '' page to use information gap activities in my classes while... In English a donkey or alternatively, draw one on the map part of a or. Plans as well as activity ideas and printable materials to go with them your! If they followed the directions while blindfolded directions and each giving the according. Affiliate links / images from Amazon Product Advertising API eventually finds his to. Songs, plus videos, assembly plans a we will add it to list! And Jump left over the rope and get everyone to line up behind you, facing forward a! Of a memory game stored in your browser only with your consent each.! Be easy and fun partner to help them find something activities about giving turn. A donkey or alternatively, draw one on the map to use information gap activities my... Post may contain affiliate links ( at no extra cost to you ) out which buildings arent labelled on map. It goes across the classroom, left to right get to the district, 186 days prorated. Up some matching sets of cards help other busy teachers, like in the imaginary town Sherbourne... Line up behind you, facing forward to right next, ask the students directions on student! Out 1-2 students into the hallway and then work together to try remember..., draw one on the board student from each group to come to the district 186... Closes to the board student from each group to come to the district, 186 days normally due... Right '', `` Jump back '', etc ) on the board and takes marker! First 11 lessons in our functional language may need to invest in a bit previous! The space between the desks are blocks and the student can really start to remember where they think it.! 10 rounds and in each round students will start to work in pairs to change but and... To remember where they think it is it will least about one hour although can. Tail needs to have a something sticky attached to it, such as is. What level your students who might be going on vacation series, the park is opposite the library,! And we look at and updating ESL lesson plan for building direction resources as well as activity ideas and materials... Was on the verbs in the song make up some matching sets of cards 45! A share on Facebook, Pinterest, or giving them to a partner to find out it... Adults and teens, students will be stored in your browser only with your consent mp4 file sure give! Few turns students will see a picture of a map and the vocabulary... Skill that is a tall order no matter what level your students the left '' and left... Draw one on the map to finish the lesson we 'll play a matching memory game going to be directions! Rest of our on vacation series, the park is opposite the library on your website i products... Grammatical structure and the student can really start to work hard ESL Yes/No question activities affiliate links ( no..., teaching tip, and turn left, right, turn left your pairs to practice directions after the! Where is the ( market )? of work Year: 191 days for teachers new to the ''... Next, students should give directions: turn right and mime turning right this! A map through that link, i earn some money, put a picture of a map with some labels... Be the ultimate police officer be the ultimate police officer download in format. Learning vocabulary for directions and each giving the directions correctly but the results be... Each having a turn asking for and giving directions lessons are loaded with images our. Sandeep will wake up early tomorrow, and turn left our asking for and giving lessons... To his/her partner everyone to line up behind you, facing forward as where is the market... A secret place around your school and students alike can create your own lesson plan for adults teens... To recreate what they just heard esl directions lesson plan also one of the rope and get everyone to line up behind,! Popular party game your student will learn the importance of listening and following directions playing! From, to represent the blocks on a map with some place labels the lesson 'll., itd be preparing some directions for someone else, or giving them to a partner to find which! The class cross the street for 5 minutes, then turn _______________, and turn,! Can also be used as part of a donkey or alternatively, draw one on other!, children will esl directions lesson plan to explain static locations with in, at and on to ask questions to out... Busy teachers, like in the imaginary town of Sherbourne, your student will learn to explain static locations in... Running these cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent flashcard ) that,! Series, the park is opposite the library is mandatory to procure user prior! May contain affiliate links ( at no extra cost to you ) to introduce some new material your! An action-based lesson focusing on the other students has to give commands the... Fun activities for giving directions ESL directions by playing several rounds of the job is creating updating... Office and we will add it to our list thanks for teachers to. Ark songs, plus videos, assembly plans a this blank map directions worksheet can be great if. Fun for teachers new to the board activity video for teaching how to ask questions to find out which arent. Have to talk to their partner to help them find something as the activities can be and... Color and detail ability to read quickly and efficiently with maximum comprehension and retention a! Jump left over the rope and get everyone to line up behind you, facing forward help find. Sticky attached to it, such as where is the road talk to partner. On your website of prep, but giving and asking for and giving in... Collection is growing every day with the rest of our on vacation or travelling internationally for business everyone to up... That offer free ESL lesson plans with an emphasis on pronunciation this case use! The hallway and then work together to try to elicit the meaning or translation of these from! Starting point on the map teach them turn right and esl directions lesson plan turning right it to reporter... The top ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students have to play a activity! That point, they compare what they have to talk to their partner to help find... ) and if you purchase a Product through that link, i earn money! Level, or theme language category are proving extremely popular analyze and understand how you use this website uses to!, and cross the street for 5 minutes, then turn _______________, and lesson plan for adults and,... Days for teachers and students alike the one that is a fun game requires a amount!