Once Catharina was asked to write a few paragraphs describing what she does in each class. She was asked specifically not to mention TPRS as such. Here is what she wrote:
FRENCH
In Lower School French class we mimic as closely as possible the process by which children acquire their first language. The children are immersed in a language-rich environment made comprehensible through the use of body language, visual aids and abundant repetition in a variety of contexts. The teacher uses mainly story-based activities to bring the language to life. Through careful scaffolding of new and recycled words, and ample repetition, the children acquire a foundation of basic vocabulary, and simple useful phrases.
Nursery:
In Nursery the children are introduced to French through hands-on experiential instruction. The students acquire the language while participating in interactive age appropriate activities. A typical lesson will include some of the following: puppets, movement, imaginative play, games, music, and drawing. The focus is mainly on listening, and understanding what is said.
Kindergarten:
In Kindergarten French class the main instructional focus continues to be on listening comprehension. To engage the students, and make the learning memorable, the instruction is based on the children’s environment, family, school, friends, and fantasy world. The class relies on basic vocabulary and simple language structures which the children become familiar with over time. A typical lesson may include puppets, movement, imaginative play, games, music, drawing, and storytelling.
First grade:
In first grade French class we continue to work on the children’s receptive language skill of listening comprehension. A typical lesson will include meaningful and personalized conversations, storytelling, music, movement, and a variety of hands-on activities. The instruction is based on topics of interest to the students, as we work in an atmosphere of “comprehensible” immersion to promote and accelerate the acquisition of French.
Second grade:
In second grade French class the underlying teaching philosophy continues to be based on comprehensible input. The emphasis is on listening, understanding, and responding, as the children engage in simple conversations within the limits of familiar contexts like their immediate environment. The students are given multiple opportunities to use their language skills in a wider range of practical settings.
Third grade:
In third grade French class we continue to provide the students with meaningful and comprehensible language. The children engage in conversations on topics related to their interests, family, friends, and community. A typical lesson may include a variety of story-based and hands-on activities, music and movement. While the students are given multiple opportunities to use their language skills, they are also taught how to best “learn” a language within the limits of a classroom setting.
[Note: most elementary programs will describe “what they cover” each year – colors, numbers, farm animals – without explaining their approach or instructional strategies. It makes parents feel confident. Their kids are learning something that is tangible, measurable, similar to the way they learned.
Some elementary schools that “do” TPRS, clearly struggle with the method or how to briefly describe it. It most often sounds like a mixed bag of different approaches, with TPRS thrown in to cover all bases.]
The Problem with CI
Jeffrey Sachs was asked what the difference between people in Norway and in the U.S. was. He responded that people in Norway are happy and
