FREE TO BE

Overview

Students do not verbally respond to communication in the second language although there is receptive processing.  Students should be actively included in all class activities, but not forced to speak.  Using realia, and employing Total Physical Response strategies will allow students time and clues to encourage participation.  Students are likely to respond non-verbally to peer-buddies during inclusion in many activities:  interaction with visuals and audiovisuals, games, and hands-on projects.  As students progress through this stage, they will begin to participate using gestures and pointing and they may begin to provide one word verbal responses.

Characteristics

Students:

• are often verbally unresponsive

• are often hesitant and unsure

• may use one word responses

• are developing listening skills

• need time to become comfortable with classroom environment, procedures and activities

• respond non-verbally by pointing, nodding, gesturing, or drawing

Adopted from Project Talk Academic Excellence Program and Title VII