Spot+Commericals+and+Learning+Techniques

An excellent technique to keep your students motivated is the "spot commercial". Middle school and High School students like to understand the reasons behind the techniques and activities you use in class. They need be able to measure their progress and success but often do not have a vision of the process of language learning. Orientation at the beginning of the year is not always assimilated. All aspects of language learning require time and experience in order to be internalized. These are quick pep-talk style devised periodically to encourage the students remind them of the value of speaking the language and participating in class activities. To avoid using too much class time Spot commercials can be filmed ahead of time and "broadcasting" when students come in or shown on a day when there is a substitute. You might even try assigning an idea to a student as an extra credit project. The student could create a video or powerpoint to present to the class. These could be shown throughout the year.

Ideas for spot commercials a. It is okay to live with with uncertainty. Learn to "get the gist" and make intelligent guesses. b. Speak the language c. Think of all the things you will be able to do with Arabic! d. Compare learning about a sport to learning to play a sport

EXAMPLE VIDEO Playing as bell rings on first day

SCRIPT: In a few minutes Spanish class will begin. You might be surprised to learn that we will be using Arabic to communicate in class. Surprised? You haven't even learned any Arabic yet! You might feel frustrated at first but there are some really important for doing this. It would be easier to use English, but in reality, that would be the very worst thing you could do. To learn to speak Arabic, you have to learn to think in the language, both listening and speaking.

It is as if you were on a journey and you came to a river. You look upstream and downstream and see there is no way around. You have to cross it. The only solution is to lower yourself into the murky water. The water is deep. You realize that if you move out into the stream you will not be totally under control. You will want to hang on to the willows along the bank and not let go, but if you do that you'll never get across. Crossing the river is essential on your journey of learning Arabic. The willows on the bank that you want to hang onto are your English. If you will let go and trust your teacher to guide you across, you will eventually get to the other side. Here are some guidelines that will make things easier for you.

1. Listen carefully to the teacher and just try to understand. At first you won't understand but don't panic and don't zone out. 2. Communicate as best as you can in Arabic. Even if it is only a few words and sounds like baby-talk. 3. Try not to feel stressed. No one expects you to be perfect on the first day.