Pre-Production
Defined: This is also called "the silent period," when the student takes in the new language but does not speak it. This period often lasts six weeks or longer, depending on the individual.
Strategies:
- Emphasize listening comprehension by using read-alouds and music.
- Use visuals and have students point to pictures or act out vocabulary.
- Speak slowly and use shorter words, but use correct English phrasing.
- Model "survival" language by saying and showing the meaning. For example, say, "Open your book," and then open a book while the student observes.
- Gesture, point and show as much as possible.
- More advanced classmates who speak the same language can support new learning through interpretation.
- Avoid excessive error correction. Reinforce learning by modeling correct language usage when students make mistakes.
Information taken from: http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/language-acquisition-overview