The Method
The usage of these materials can be adapted to your preferences and teaching style, much like a recipe where the cook adjusts ingredients to suit their tastes and expertise. It's important to consider the unique needs and strengths of both yourself and your students. However, to maximize the effectiveness of your lessons, it's recommended to take into account the insights from those who have extensively tested these materials. Through this workshopping process, an optimal lesson structure has been identified: start with 10 minutes of unstructured play on the iPad, followed by 10 minutes dedicated to video-based pattern practice, and conclude with 10 minutes of free iPad video play. This approach balances structured learning with creative exploration, catering to a diverse range of learning styles.
It's important to guide parents on how to use the provided materials effectively after class. They should be encouraged to use the videos and worksheets together as homework, reinforcing what was taught in the classroom. This approach has proven highly effective because spreading exposure to a second language over several days, in small increments, is more beneficial than concentrating a large amount of time into a single day. Additionally, research indicates that children learn a second language more quickly when a caregiver, whether it be a father, mother, or other guardian, actively participates in the learning process alongside them.
Week 1
The Materials
Break Time
For optimal learning, it is recommended to schedule a second class on the following day, ideally on a weekend (Saturday or Sunday), with homework revision occurring during the week. However, if consecutive days are not feasible, a single session can be structured with a short break of 5-10 minutes. After the break, the class should proceed with a similar format: starting with 10 minutes of unstructured play on the iPad, followed by 10 minutes of video-based pattern practice, and concluding with another 10 minutes of free iPad video play. In cases where a break is not possible, this intermission can be replaced with a 10-minute period focused on engaging activities such as songs, craftwork, or Total Physical Response (TPR) exercises, to maintain the momentum of the class while providing a varied and interactive learning experience.
Part 2 - Storytelling
This section builds upon the vocabulary and grammatical structures introduced in the previous section. It starts with the first video, which integrates these lexicon and grammar elements into the storytelling segment. During this ten-minute period, there's an opportunity for increased interaction with the student, and a greater emphasis can be placed on storytelling. This approach not only reinforces the language skills already taught but also enhances the student's engagement and understanding through interactive narrative techniques.