Teaching the Notes and Melodies - Incorporating Pronunciation Instruction into the ESOL Lesson

4 PD Hours

 English pronunciation is a challenge for teachers and learners alike. In order for learners to be able to add the features of English pronunciation to their speaking toolbox, they need explicit instruction so that they can hear and produce the target sounds and rhythms. In this two-part training, you will learn about techniques for teaching pronunciation that will be helpful for learners from a variety of language backgrounds and ESOL levels. You will learn and practice multisensory activities that can be used during in-person or remote instruction that go far beyond "listen and repeat." The course will also explore the importance of focusing on intelligibility in contrast to accent reduction, and provide suggestions for incorporating the techniques and activities into existing curriculum rather than stand-alone classes.

Session 1 — a two-hour facilitated session  — dives into ways to teach and practice the sounds of English, including minimal pairs, articulatory settings, final consonant productions, and consonant clusters.

Session 2 — a two-hour facilitated session  — goes above and beyond the sounds to explore ways to teach and practice the rhythms of English, including word stress, thought groups, and intonation. 

Come prepared to try various engaging activities with your teaching colleagues, and leave with ideas you can implement immediately!

Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:

• Explain to learners how learning about and practicing the targeted pronunciation features will make it easier for listeners to understand their English
• Incorporate engaging pronunciation activities that focus on the sounds and rhythms of English into your existing routines and classroom instruction
• Explain to learners and colleagues the concept of accent addition rather than accent deletion

ESOL Professional Standard Adressed: 2
IPQ Addressed: 5
Online Facilitated
This course is currently available for program-based PD tailored to your specific needs. Please contact Dori McCormack at dmccormack@edc.org for more information.