My assistant principal sends us funny or inspiring quotes every day. The other day, he sent this one, and I couldn't help but think of TPRS:
Tell me, and I'll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I'll understand.--Native American Proverb
Through the PQA and asking the story, we really do involve our students in the learning. It also (some days) lets our students pick what vocabulary is important to them. I have a class that is in love with the word "malin" and we use it every chance we get. I love the idea of having private jokes with my classes because it makes the participants feel included and it makes those snoozing through class feel like they're missing something by being a jerk. I really need to play up to those students who are swallowing what I'm feeding them and try to ignore or find a solution for those who aren't. I love what Ben said about having those kids sit in the back of the room with a workbook until they are ready to play the game. Awesome!
Bessie (or is it Elizabeth ?, or either?), there's a possibly very useful book that was mentioned some while back on Ben's site:
ReplyDelete"A Frequency Dictionary of French
Core Vocabulary for Learners
List Price: $35.95Add to Cart
ISBN: 978-0-415-77531-1
Binding: Paperback
Published by: Routledge
Publication Date: 03/24/2009
Pages: 320
DescriptionBio
About the Book
A Frequency Dictionary of French is an invaluable tool for all learners of French, providing a list of the 5000 most frequently used words in the language.
Based on a 23-million-word corpus of French which includes written and spoken material both from France and overseas, this dictionary provides the user with detailed information for each of the 5000 entries, including English equivalents, a sample sentence, its English translation, usage statistics, and an indication of register variation.
Users can access the top 5000 words either through the main frequency listing or through an alphabetical index. Throughout the frequency listing there are thematically-organized lists of the top words from a variety of key topics such as sports, weather, clothing, and family terms.
An engaging and highly useful resource, the Frequency Dictionary of French will enable students of all levels to get the most out of their study of French vocabulary.
Deryle Lonsdale is Associate Professor in the Linguistics and English Language Department at Brigham Young University (Provo, Utah). Yvon Le Bras is Associate Professor of French and Department Chair of the French and Italian Department at Brigham Young University (Provo, Utah)."
It might provide a good tool for planning and/or keeping track of extensive use of important high-frequency vocabulary in your classes. I haven't purchased it myself, but i have been thinking about it.
By the way, are you aware of Ben's extensive vocabulary list and accompanying CD for issuance to each student. He tests them on a certain number of words at certain intervals and averages the results in with the other scores. He claims that this satisfies his principal and parents that he is covering vocabulary required by his school district and providing what they consider to be useful homework, even though we know that most homework is mostly useless. See Ben's regular site and available handouts for more info. You have to purchase the cd, but the accompanying vocabulary list is downloadable for free.
I've created podcasts of the vocabulary and am posting them on the Wiki that I created for my classes. That way students can download them and listen on their iPods.
ReplyDeleteI will have to get that frequency book. I found one on Amazon recently, but it was WAY expensive. I'm also planning on starting podcasts to give my kids a chance to hear the vocab even if they are absent or if they need some repetitions. Michelle, do you teach French or Spanish? I was just thinking that it might be cool to have my students hear different people pronouncing the words so that their ears become attuned to different speakers...
ReplyDeleteI have scoured Ben's site and am planning on using much of it in my class as I go. Slowly but surely!!
I teach French, but I will be the first to admit that my accent isn't that great--not enough time studying abroad. I use lots of "authentic" sources and music that I find on youtube and the Internet, so that they hear more than just my voice.
ReplyDeleteThere are two versions of that frequency book--one that is hardcover and outrageously expensive, and another that is softcover and about $35. Search again!!
Elisabeth - the back of the room with the "differentiated" work is Blaine's idea.
ReplyDeleteBen