A multi-sensory approach to acquiring English language

Education Category: Language
Ages: 0-4, 4-8, 8-12, 12-16, 16+

Acquiring the English language through the use of multiple senses (not just speech) but also movement. Memory facilitated through multiple cerebral processes.

Donated by Worldsupporter Inge van den Boomen

Objective:
Acquiring the English language through the use of multiple senses (not just speech) but also movement. Memory facilitated through multiple cerebral processes.

Age:
For children age 10+

Method:    
Sign language. A specific sign accompanies each English word that is taught. If the children do not remember the exact word in English, but do remember the corresponding sign, this helps them remember the actual word.

Words:   NOUNS        VERBS        
                Boy              Go        
                Girl            Leave    
              School           Sit
               Book           Read
             Teacher        Study
              Chair          Write
               Pen
              Table

Method:    

• Make two sets of flashcards, one set for all the English words, and another set for all the Spanish (or any other language) words. Say all the words, introduce the corresponding sign and let the children repeat, all the words in Spanish and English with the accompanying sign. Repetition is very important as a first step in acquiring a new language, so make sure there is a lot of room for repetition and revision.
• Form a circle with all the children. Start random by one child and say a word in Spanish, and ask for the corresponding English word and sign. In the case of an incorrect answer, the child should step out the circle. Then ask the child next to him/her. Continue this until there is one child or a few children left: they are the winners.
• Divide the children in two or more groups. Give each group two sets of flashcards, in Spanish and English. They should match the pairs in a correct and fast way. The group that finishes first and correctly, wins.
• Do a kind of Boggle but then with sentences instead of words. Divide the children in groups again and let them form sentences with the flashcards, which they write on a piece of paper. Give them a fixed time in which they should form as many sentences as possible. The group that has made most and correct sentences, gets a prize.

Progress:  
Key to progress is a lot of revision and repetition. Slowly introduce each week some new words, and keep the older words part of the games as well.