frustrating

[drlynch]

so on monday and wednesday, i had one of my classes do a listening exercise to music where they listen and try to fill in some blanks. it was generally pretty easy for them--which was good for me because i could really see their listening comprehension and some vocabulary limitations

Comments

[symmys]

Singing is a big barrier for some people. I do a lot of speaking drills with my classes and students are used to the idea that the minute I call on them they have to speak immediately. Sometimes they have to do dorky things like make a motion to go with what they're saying -- that introduces a slight pause for some kids, but if I strategically call on the kids who will buy on first, I can get them to do it. I know from experience that doing motions help them remember vocabulary, so I make them do it

[drlynch]

the thing is, this was an integral part of the portuguese curriculum that i did... how did our teacher get a roomful of off-key adults to participate? i mean, no one was singing loudly, but we were at least making feeble noises.

or was it BECAUSE we were adults? this class has four teenagers and two adults in their 20s (one of whom was absent).

[drlynch]

the chanting thing is brilliant, btw. i told my older students today that they had to say the lyrics along with a song and--lo and behold--they were basically singing about 85% of the time. of course, who knows if it would be effective with the teenagers.