Monday, September 09, 2013

Working with New Learners of English Using Total Physical Response


Monday, September 9, 2013

Total Physical Response – a technique for teaching learners language using action -- was the idea of James Asher in the 1960’s.  The concept – that we learn language from listening and doing – is as fresh as ever.  It’s such a positive and successful activity for newcomers and, with the addition of written scripts, can also develop the listening, speaking, reading and writing of learners at all levels. 

Here are the basic steps and some examples.  Create your own!

Thursday, September 05, 2013

General Apps for English Language Learning



Looking to use technology in your English Language classroom?  Here is a three-part series by Beth Crumpler of adaptivelearnin.com that focuses on using free or inexpensive everyday apps  such as photo editors and speech-to-text tools.  I'll try to add some original K-12 examples soon.   

Part 1: Apps for English language learning: Intro to photo editors
Part 2: Apps for English language learning: Photo apps for customized learning content
Part 3: Apps for English language learning: Speech-to-text for writing development


Tuesday, September 03, 2013

September 3, 2013 -- Working with Beginning English Learners -- Some Tools

I've been working with new learners of English and their teachers a lot lately.  Today, I'm sharing practical strategies for including beginning learners in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and content area classrooms.


FLASHCARD TEMPLATE.  I've been trying to think of little ways to make life easier for busy teachers.  Here's a template that makes it quick to make flashcards/word cards/game cards.  Just type in the words and tab.  http://www.mlmcc.com/docs/Flashcard%20Template.docx


POP - Practical Oral Practice.  Here's a strategy to start every day with fun, easy, yet useful oral language practice.  2013-08 GVP POP


TPR - TOTAL PHYSICAL RESPONSE.  My hands down favorite with new learners of English is Total Physical Response (TPR), because it's fun and helps student understand and belong from the beginning.  Here's a brief description with examples:  Teacher's Dozen #2: Total Physical Response


I HAVE, WHO HAS.  Everyone needs a game to practice and review vocabulary, questions and answers, number facts, etc.  Here are instructions and a template to quickly create practice with interaction.  I Have, Who Has