Sound negotiating

I've found that the best arbiters in any dispute about sounds are my students themselves - their ears are as finely tuned as mine, and their 'varieties' of prounciation tend to merge towards 'an average' = where they probably need to be...provide a really good model/template first of course, and let them 'explore options' > then make sure they insist on each other complying with their consensus.

That way, it's not the teacher helipcoptering during a game (ha, a drill by any other teacher's book?!) but students paying attention when 'it's not their turn'...they're the referees. Unresolved? OK, ask the supreme authority if you need to!

I try to also apply this approach to letter writing. Coming down too heavily on an oversized/wonky/backwards/miniscule/mangled letter with the dreaded teacher's red pen can be detrimental. Instead, ask them to look at each other's output carefully...everything OK? High 5. 

The Secret Garden - Mary writes to Jane

Dear Jane,

Your letter brought back memories of a time in my childhood which changed my life. When I arrived at Misselthwaite Mannor from India, I was so rude and spoilt girl. At first, I didn’t listen to the housemaid, Matha, but then I began to like her because of her friendly attitude.

One day, I heard from Martha about the secret garden which locked up ten years ago after Mrs. Craven died. When I was watching the robin in the garden and found the door under the leaves when the wind blew the ivy on the wall.

One night I heard the crying noise. I followed the noise and met with Colin. After I came to Misselthwaite Mannor, I could have my garden and also have some friends who are Dickon and Colin. Not only Matha’s friendly attitude changed me, but also these friends made me strong through the gardening physically and mentally.

 Mary