PLP 12 – Sheltered Instruction

Master a New Language

December 12, 2011

SpeakingPal helps students master a new language through role-playing sessions andfeedback. This free app for iPhone, iPad and Android consists of multiple bit-sized video scenarios students can watch and repeat with the onscreen text. Students are given immediate feedback based on how clearly they repeat each phrase. For example, one video has someone asking for directions, another has a shopping scenario and a third involves booking a hotel room. After they watch the exchange between the actors, students then interact. In some cases, then can choose from one of two responses, such as “Please take me to my hotel” or “Can you help me with my bags?” When they speak the phrase aloud into their…

Connect With English

January 4, 2011

Through the story of Rebecca, an aspiring singer on a journey across America, Connect With English touches on life’s important issues: leaving home, parenting, education, work, love, success, and loss. All of the characters use meaningful, natural language that students can put to work immediately in their own lives. Each episode features dialogue that is slightly slowed down and subtly simplified. Key lines are repeated, idioms paraphrased, and important events retold. There are constant visual clues to meaning, such as written signs, notes, and documents. Facial expressions, gestures, and body language also reveal meaning for students. Closed captioning can be used…