Using an open-ended visual discussion activity to start lessons allows teachers to immediately engage students in a mixed ability language class. In this workshop you will learn how to help your students activate their prior language and subject knowledge by speaking freely about the lesson topic. In parallel, you will gain access to early formative assessment, giving you necessary information to adjust your lessons and better cater to your students. This is not only a quick assessment of your student’s language ability but also about their level of motivation and frame of mind.