[clivehawkins]

I like to loosen them up with a soap opera. It's a great 'free speaking' activity and gives you a chance to really see what they can do.

Take in LOADS of photos cut out of magazines. People, cars, places, objects etc.
Present your own soap opera, using the pictures to help explain the story (in the present simple, a little past if necessary) The more interesting you make it the better they will respond. It will also give them the green light to make their soap a little off the wall.

Now put them in groups and tell them to prepare their story, which they will present at the end of the lesson. By working together on it, they will use the language they know, but also be constantly asking you " How do you say ::: in English?", thus extending it.

Even if the classes already know the present simple, it's great recycling and a fun way to use the language.

good luck.

BTW, where in Italy are you? I'm in Cagliari, getting ready to hit the beach as soon as the sun decides to show up!