Textbook: Very Easy Reading 2, Unit 19 (Compass Media)

In Sarah's lesson, we see two beginner students with very limited English. How can they understand Sarah's instructions and do so well in the lesson without knowing how to speak English beforehand?

One answer to this question is simple: routine. Sarah uses similar games and structures in each lesson with her students so that they can feel comfortable and understand what is going on in each class. This way, they can apply new material from every chapter to this same structure, and understand what to do. This technique is a little different than what we saw in Zandy's video. Zandy played the role of a mirror to her student, so that the student could better understand how to answer the questions in English. In this video, Sarah also makes it easier for her students to participate, but by using the same format for each lesson.

Some other techniques Sarah uses in her lesson are body language, symbols, and games to lead and motivate the students. By using her body language and symbols to demonstrate meaning, the students quickly understand and are not confused by long, complicated explanations that are beyond their level of understanding. The lesson moves so fluidly and quickly because of this, that if someone who did not speak English were to watch, it would appear that the boys speak English very well! You also might notice that the students are interested and participating the entire lesson, they seem to enjoy the competition and fun that comes with Sarah's lesson.