karen_jk

I think the reason that they correct each error, when the class is doing repetition, is that otherwise the whole class might start saying it wrong. Choral speaking makes errors more important than when one student speaks at a time.

Here's another thing I like about the program: I've never taught French before and don't know where to start, and we're not learning "where to start" in our FLS class until next term. This program is all set up, with the progressions, the grammar exercises, the music, the dance, the theatre, the gestures. It's all carefully planned. Also very cool, and fun for the students, are the "grammar raps," which teach basic grammar rules with little songs or rhythm.

Some people might find that too restrictive, but one is supposed to use the set lesson stuff as the base for the class and to add, as I said, lots of spontaneous talking between students and teacher.

The bottom line...well, one bottom line is that the programs are expensive to buy. They are not unreasonable considering that one can build an entire year around 2 units of the program, but they still cost enough to be prohibitive for me to buy and try right now. However, school boards can and are buying them.

The other bottom line is that the AIM method has had HUGE success. Yes, it's fun. Yes, it's challenging, as the teacher has to learn all the gestures. (It's ideal for us, though, as we are starting out and ready to learn new things). But most satisfying of all is how well it seems to work. Core Frenc students in AIM often speak better French, after studying it 40 mins a day, than their fellow students in French Immersion.

I have been anxious about teaching French, especially knowing that's where all the jobs are, because my specialty is English lit. Now, however, I"m quite keen and excited.