An ELT Glossary : Realia

Definition : Realia are real objects brought into the classroom to help teach and practise language.

Example : The teacher wants to introduce the names of different vegetables and so takes into the class some actual examples of carrots, courgettes, broccoli,  onions, beans etc. S/he uses them to present the vocabulary, and then puts them back into a shopping bag and sets up a chain drill :

S1 reaches into the bag, pulls out a pack of the vegetables and says I went to the supermarket and bought some carrots. She puts the carrots on the desk in front of her and passes the bag on.
S2 does the same and says : Sofia went to the supermarket and bought some carrots. I went to the supermarket and bought some potatoes.  He passes the bag to the third student ...
S3 ... who continues :  Sofia went to the supermarket and bought some carrots. Jaime went to the supermarket and bought some potatoes. And I went to the supermarket and bought some beans.
and so on round the class.