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Laura Sicola

So To Speak, Part 3: Teaching Vowel Sounds

by Laura Sicola June 15, 2010
So to Speak - Part 3

Teaching vowel sounds to ELs can be tricky, since nuances are subtle. In order to help students improve their accuracy, we need a variety of multi-sensory strategies beyond “listen and repeat.” Today’s tips are sure to get everyone smiling!

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So to Speak, Part 2: Teaching Consonant Sounds

by Laura Sicola June 1, 2010
So to Speak - Part 2

When teaching individual consonant and vowel sounds (otherwise known as “phonemes” or “segments,”) the most commonly heard instruction from teachers is, “No, listen…” But therein lies the problem: many students cannot clearly hear the difference between sounds which seem as different as night and day to us. This means we have to go beyond listen-and-repeat drills if we expect to have any success.

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So to Speak: Pronunciation and English Learning

by Laura Sicola April 29, 2010
So to Speak – Part 1

Pronunciation is absolutely one of my favorite “subjects” to teach to English learners (children and adults alike), but it is also one of the most controversial—both socially, for the learners themselves, and pedagogically, for classroom teachers and other educators. Let’s address the social aspect first. Everyone – even native speakers – has an “accent” when they talk; we simply don’t notice our own!

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