Tina Hargaden, in response to Terry Waltz:
I have heard some people say quite stridently and repeatedly that TPRS is difficult to learn, that it’s like walking on a tightrope. That it takes years. Then someone comes up with a new system, built on ideas that came before, but put together with some new elements and in a way that helps get cute little stories off the ground and back again in twenty-five to thirty minutes. And then people who obviously haven’t read the book or tried the new idea say “it won’t work in public school” or “this is nothing new”. Believe me I’ve heard these arguments many times. And yet here I go into my classroom each day grateful to have met Ben and learned from him. In my classes of 34-39 middle school kids, the Invisibles are making for some very happy teaching days and easier work for me. More engagement. Less stress. Almost no planning. Such happiness and creativity and joy. I have been a student of TPRS since 2004 or so and I know this is new. And to me it has felt like a revolution. It has made my classroom happier and more creative and my students are acquiring so much language effortlessly and easily and with big smiles on their faces. Maybe Ben’s ideas aren’t fit everyone. That is as it should be. We are all different. But I’m glad I found them and I’m grateful for the ease they have brought to my work. (And I loved using classical TPRS and had fun doing it and good results. I just like this way better. I am sensing that it’s more effective and certainly easier and happier for us all). I say don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. And try it. I’m real happy I did.
