The use of the hands to describe the imagined object being created is key, as described in the previous article. Here, Craig West further describes the subtlety of this work with one word images:
…I need to learn to let the class create the material that is level appropriate by just asking them the next logical question instead of insisting or trying to shape the image. Easy reading and writing will still help them build literacy….
Again, we are reminded that ALL students in secondary school programs are just beginning, and will need thousands of hours to get command of the language. Therefore, we should not be about getting gains and we should be about making it totally comprehensible and fun. There is a difference – the two exclude each other.
Thanks Craig for this insight. It’s a good one.