I use this activity with students as young as Kindergarten and up through 5th grade. I like that the props not only provide a visual cue to remember the words, but also a way to assess the students on both their pronunciation and their knowledge of vocabulary.
We have practiced in class with drinks the past couple weeks, and have started using the same sentences with food vocabulary. Part of the reason I have spent so much time practicing in class is so they can use what they learn outside the classroom, notably in the cafeteria.
I also help distribute the beverages in the cafeteria during my lunch duty times, so I ask the students what they want to drink. This week, I have really seen the results of the practice in the classroom, with most of my students responding appropriately in Chinese! I hope that they will also try to use what they've learned when they go to Chinese restaurants, and build up their confidence so they try using their Chinese more often.
Hearing my students asking for their drinks smoothly and also saying "thank you" and "you're welcome" simply makes me smile...and makes it all worthwhile.