Dialogues
Conversation Starters
English Rhythms
Students!
So what exactly do these guys have to do with
ESL Students????
Experiments with Fruit Flies have revealed the
connection between short-term & long-term
memory. . . .
Fruit Fly Test
Favorite
Food
Mmm!!!!!
Stinky
Smelly
Stuff
Left: Right:
How many repetitions . . . .
Before he gets it right every time???
7 to 10
In Human Terms . . .
• Exposure once every 24 hours
• For 7 to 10 days
• Can skip 1 or 2 days (not 3)
People Are Instant Forgetters . . .
Short-term memory is used for only those things that we do not normally need on a daily basis . . .
Long-term memory is for those things that we need frequently . . . . . .
Like the words that we use for Speaking!!!
Dialogues are designed to repeat the
“Chunks of English”
every day for 7 to 10 days . . .
And then test the student for comprehension.
How To Practice With
Students must “ECHO” or “CHORUS” the Dialogues 1 1
2 1 2
3 1 2 3
4 1 2 3 4
5 1 2 3 4 5
6 1 2 3 4 5 6
7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 X 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 (drop Dialogue 1 and give Dictation)
9 XX 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 (then drop Dialogue 2 & Dictation)
Speaking a foreign language . . .
• Accent
• Vocabulary
• Construction
Accent . . . . .
The words must be understandable
and the rhythm and cadence in range.
CATS EAT MICE
CATS EAT MICE
The CATS EAT MICE
The CATS EAT the MICE
The CATS have EATEN the MICE
The CATS might have EATEN the MICE
Vocabulary . . . . .
The Average American uses only about 2500 words daily to communicate in English.
*100 Words make up about 50% of printed material.
10001000 Most Most Frequently Frequently Used WordsUsed Words
Construction. . . . .Position is very important in English.
Sentences need to be in a recognizable form.
Not Translated Sentences!
How Important Is Grammar?
The Human Brain has a grammar function that can be short-circuited by teaching grammar . . . .
*Example: How many American students study Spanish grammar in High School and actually learn to speak Spanish . . . . . Exactly!
Is designed to ensure that Students start with the most important words first, acquire an American English Accent, and assimilate Grammar naturally.
The Ah-Ha Effect!!!
Students are given “Chunks Of English”
They should try to guess the grammar rules.
Only in the very late stages of language learning should they be given the actual rule.
Conversation . . .
To be successful they need to . .TALK!!!
Ending A Conversation
Now say “Excuse me” and end the Conversation.
Oh! Look at the time. I really have to go.
I just have so many things to do today.
It was really nice talking with you.
I hope that I see you again sometime!
Odd # Students = Interrupter
