DVDs
DVD Sample: A TPRS One Word Image
PQA from Ben Slavic on Vimeo.
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Set of 5 TPRS DVDs by Ben Slavic - $35.00 |
Ben has created a set of DVDs that are intended to meet the needs of teachers interested in TPRS who cannot get to a national conference or some other training. There are five DVDs.
The "Beginning The Year" DVD has footage of middle school classes in their fifth day of French instruction with Ben. This footage models how to set classroom rules and teach the CI game, as well as how to personalize the classroom, before attempting stories.
Four other DVDs present a total of six full length stories done with classes in their first year of TPRS instruction, including four reading classes. One video, entitled "The Tall Hat", shows how to move from PQA into a story in a seamless way. There is also a short visit to Ben's classroom, to show how posters can be effectively used.
The total running time of all five DVDs is 7 hours and 50 minutes.
Michele W. says:
"I have to agree that it means everything to see you in person. Our group ended up watching your video on the braiding story and it was pure gold.. You are an amazing teacher. Everyone was very happy to be able to watch you with a "real" class. We kept stopping the DVD and talking about different aspects. It was supremely helpful. And the French teachers were astounded.. They were sure you were teaching an upper level class, because of how fast you were talking and how much the kids got...".
Martha N. says:
"Ben, I just finished watching 'The Show' in the staff room. I loved it. I want to watch it over and over. I was in awe of how much circling you got in, but it didn't feel like circling, it felt like natural conversation.. It was clear too, with the reading, how it changed slightly from the story, but the kids could follow it, that more and more reading is so valuable. I wanted to read more too!"
Carla B. says:
"The subtitles and commentary are extremely helpful! It's like having one of your books but illustrated in 3D. The way that you let teachers into your head to really see what you are thinking and why you make certain decisions are those things that turn on the light bulb. It's wonderful.
"What stood out to me the most is how you play with the kids. You describe some of it in your books and blog and you allude to it a lot, but seeing it live helped to make the idea more real. Play is really a central theme. It was staring me in the face the whole time, but on the DVD I couldn't miss it. The reading DVD was interesting too; I saw how you put new things into the story, I think to keep their minds active and to keep them from getting bored. Because they knew the story, they were able to figure it out. I like that."
Tony S. says:
"Ben - thanks so much for the DVDs. I watched them (the newest one) last night. Now, I see what it means to SLOW down. I always feel that I rush through. Today, I stopped and waited and it seemed a bit better. I feel like I need to have constant entertainment in the classroom or the kids will get bored. Thanks so much for your help!"
Carol H. says:
"Ben - Your DVDs are a real lifeline. So helpful. I have had a chance to watch 3 of the DVDs this weekend, and also the Wilbur story. So great to see your room in the first video. Word lists and their use - totally clear!
"With your help, I think I am on the right track. Again, it is so valuable to see how you work with your lists - vocabulary, verbs and question words. The reading component is fascinating. I have dropped my level three class into TPRS - wow - they wonder who I am and what have I done with their old French teacher! Thanks again, Ben. The DVDs are great."
Nora H. says:
"Bonjour Ben! I was going to write to you just to tell you HOW MUCH I enjoy watching your videos (gosh, I love your kids! I love Nikki and Reed, and Max, and Jessica Alba, and everyone!). After watching them almost non-stop for about 5 hours, I was speaking French! The very little French I took when I was 18 (one year, twice a week) just took off and I was communicating in French, so happily! Of course my Spanish helps a lot, but you know what I mean."
Haiyun Lu says:
"I teach 8-12 graders Chinese. Last year, I bought TPRS in a Year! from you after Byron recommended it to me. It was very helpful. However, as a novice TPRS teacher, many things you wrote were easy to read but taking long time to sink in. Around Christmas time, another friend recommended your DVDs to me. I went on line and bought it immediately. But, I was so tied up with my ordinary routine and didn't get to them until recently. All the sudden, it felt like there was wave in a dead pond, or fresh spring breeze blowing on a cold dry day. Ever since, I've been watching, watching, and watching whenever I can. I'm amazed how repetitive but fun you are. I really LOVE your three phrases structure story, especially, the Wilbur story. (I feel I COULDN'T REMEMBER to recycle that much for some reason.) I've been trying to do the same thing. But my class always ended up with tons of new vocabulary in their stories. In the end, students became overwhelmed with all the new stuff they have to learn, although, they have had a lot of fun doing that. I start to explore more your website and read your blog posts. I just want you know how appreciative I am for all the works you have done. THANK YOU!"