4.b) Tips for using Tapotecas.

There are many activities that you can use tapotecas for, and we suggest two in this pamphlet. Note that the steps suggested for both do not have to be done in one day. These exercises may seem a little long, but if you divide them up into different days, they will not take up much of your time.

The steps proposed for these exercises will enable you to learn more efficiently, because your brain will be more prepared to process the content of the story.

Focus on language

An excellent activity for VISUAL learners

1st STEP
Flip through the book, look at the pictures and see if you can come up with a sequence of events. Construct the story mentally.
Objective: To get familiar with the content and concentrate better when you start working.

2nd STEP
Listen to the story and read along with the book without worrying about details. Try to get the general idea of the story.
Objective: To be able to follow the story and associate sounds with written words.

3rd STEP
Now that you already know the story, listen to it again with the book open to check your general comprehension and pay attention to the details. On a seperate piece of paper, write down key sentences and phrases from the story.
Objective: To be able to look at details, focusing on grammar and vocabulary and notice how ideas are expressed in English.

4th STEP
Try to summarize the story with the sentences you wrote down in step 3. You can write this summary down if you wish.
Objective: To practice language in a writing exercise, using vocabulary and expressions you have just seen.

Focus on listening

An excellent activity for AUDITORY learners

1st STEP
Read the title of the book, look at the cover and try to imagine what the story is like.
Objective: To get familiar with the content and concentrate better when you listen to the tape.

2nd STEP
Listen to the story with the book closed. Try to understand the general idea of what you hear without focusing on specific words or phrases.
Objective: To avoid focusing on the details. This will make you feel more confident.

3rd STEP
Listen to it again, this time with the book open and check whether your general understanding of the story from step 2 was correct.
Objective: To check listening comprehension and get more details of the story.

4th STEP
Try to mentally summarize the story. Don’t worry about using the same words as the book. Use the pictures in the book to help you. Try to concentrate on making your sentences as correct as possible. You could also record your summary and listen to it.
Objective: To practice organizing sentences with the vocabulary and expressions you have seen recently.

Note:
If you don’t have enough time to do all the activities you want to, you may ask to keep the materials longer or check them out again.
Re-reading a text is a good way to retain information.

Congratulations! You have just done an excellent exercise. If you like these suggestions, go to www.cellep.com “Dicas” and print out your copy!