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This method posits that
children aged 5-7 do not consciously learn by breaking
down sentences into words and then words into graphemes. |
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This method acknowledges the
ideas of Noam Chomsky and Steven Pinker
which posit that grammar is
innate and language acquisition is an instinct. |
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In other words, this method
is the antithesis of phonics and that in order for
language acquisition to occur, children need exposure to
full natural utterances in order for their brains to
work out the rules, hence the term holistic. |
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Only the target language is
to be used and at all times. Children learn when they
don't understand. |
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Bob Wilson noticed that 5-7
year olds learn the alphabet song in two sessions and
realized that they could learn something very complex
very quickly with music. |
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He also sees that children
are soon able to recognise individual letters by using
gamification. |
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They can also spell
their own names which is a complicated task and that
they are thrilled to be able to do this. |
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Bob uses the hot seat game
to generate natural emergent speech. |
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Bob uses fairy tales and
drama to create a meaningful environment and
which also allows the
class to create its own cultural identity. |
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He typically ends his
sessions with a game of statues requiring the
comprehension of complex auditive commands. This is a
classic total physical response activity. |
| - |
Bob organises his classes
into mixed-gender teams which instils an atmosphere of
personal responsibility, awareness of others and
fairness. |
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He ends the year with a play
where each team represents a fairy tale and the parents
organise costumes and make-up. It is a family
event where everyone has fun. |
