Why a Foreign Language Blog for Homeschoolers?

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Why a Foreign Language Blog for Homeschoolers?

Storytelling... an age-old, beloved, natural activity. Second language learning... usually not so beloved, or natural.  But, STORYTELLING can make acquiring a second language fun, natural…..and successful.  

Let’s face it, most (U.S.) Americans don’t communicate well in their second language, even just one year out of high school. As an experienced homeschool parent and language teacher, I’ve tried many curricula.  But nothing worked really well, until last year, when I implemented a method known as TPRS, “Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling”. For the first time, my students experienced leaps in comprehension, speaking, language retention and enjoyment. TPRS is a powerful language tool, qualitatively different from most programs out there, but it is not on the radar of most homeschool families.  So here at this website I've compiled everything I wish I'd known about TPRS when my kids were learning a foreign language.  Explore, deliberate and judge for yourselves if TPRS is a good fit for your family…..

 

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Four Easy Steps to a Successful Foreign Language Homeschool Class - Step 1

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Four Easy Steps to a Successful Foreign Language Homeschool Class - Step 1

What defines a successful homeschool foreign language class?

     1. The students learn to communicate in that language - listen, read, write and speak.
     2. The students are able to continue to learn that language after the class is over.
     3. The students grow a little bit as people during the class.
     4. The teacher grows a little bit as a person during the class.
     5. The teacher enjoys a reasonable amount of prep time - hours that are possibly less than, and certainly no more than the length of the class itself.

 And the first of 4 easy steps to that class - Step 1: Choose storytelling.

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I’m Ready to Learn the TPRS Method! Plank 2

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I’m Ready to Learn the TPRS Method! Plank 2

Plank 2

Plank 2: Understand the basics.  TPRS follows 3 steps and requires about 5 simple foundational skills to make a class successful.  You will learn about them in Plank 3. Here you can read or watch a short general description of TPRS from any one of several experienced TPRS teachers.  Pick a link or two from the list below and develop your own “elevator” explanation of TPRS...

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I’m Ready to Learn the TPRS Method! Plank 3

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I’m Ready to Learn the TPRS Method! Plank 3

Plank 3

Plank 3: Get some training:  If you can, attend a workshop.  If not, watch a video series and/or read a book about the specific procedures.  TPRS is not hard, but there are a few principles and techniques - inviting students into the process, circling, slowing down, pointing, teaching to the eyes - that you want to absorb before you jump in....

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I’m Ready to Learn the TPRS Method! Plank 4

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I’m Ready to Learn the TPRS Method! Plank 4

Plank 4

Plank 4: Choose a curriculum, or decide to adapt a curriculum you may already have, to the TPRS/CI method.  A lesson in a TPRS textbook or curriculum generally looks like this:                                                                       - a list of about 3 structures that will be used in the story                                                                           - a flexible outline for a story to story-ask in class                                                                                       - a couple of short readings which use the three structures.

You have four types of class curriculum to choose from......

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I’m Ready to Learn the TPRS Method! Plank 5

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I’m Ready to Learn the TPRS Method! Plank 5

Plank 5

Plank 5: Hone Your Skills.  Every so often, watch or read a little bit more.  Add another idea or trick to your repertoire.  TPRS/CI  teachers are very generous on the web about sharing their experiences, and there are many, many helpful websites and books where you can find a new CI technique or TPRS idea...

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