This is from James, discussing the dynamic of level 1 vs. level 2 story creation:
In year 1 we need lots of reps and the focus is almost 100% on the 2-3 target structures. This is more traditional TPRS.
In year 2 I am noticing that we need less reps and it’s more about moving quickly and fluently from situation to situation. We still hit the 2-3 target structures, but there is a lot more room for review and recycling of old structures. When in year 2 the students know the “glue” words so well, like “goes,” “sees,” “has,” “enters,” “happy,” “sad,” “because,” etc., we can move sooooo fluently through stories and we don’t need to use circling as much, especially not the traditional pattern of Circling.
This realization is helping me keep some more wind in my sails in my year 2 classes. If I tried to make stories in year 2 just like in year 1, we would get bored to death.
James Hosler