A simple way to adapt the Laubach method to your learner's specific vocabulary needs.
In Part One of this post, you read about the Laubach method of using pictures to teach new words to your learner.
However, rather than relying on the Laubach textbook which assumes your learner's vocabulary needs, you can adapt the Laubach method to teach words that directly address your learner's present language needs, based on assumptions you make from reading the LEA (language experience activity) transcript.
For example, say your learner's LEA transcript reveals that she needs to go to the bank, but is having trouble explaining what she needs to do there.
First, create a best-guess-list of the words your learner is likely to need.
For example:
1. bank teller
2. withdraw
3. deposit
4. credit card
5. check
6. cash
In Part One of this post, you read about the Laubach method of using pictures to teach new words to your learner.
However, rather than relying on the Laubach textbook which assumes your learner's vocabulary needs, you can adapt the Laubach method to teach words that directly address your learner's present language needs, based on assumptions you make from reading the LEA (language experience activity) transcript.
For example, say your learner's LEA transcript reveals that she needs to go to the bank, but is having trouble explaining what she needs to do there.
First, create a best-guess-list of the words your learner is likely to need.
For example:
1. bank teller
2. withdraw
3. deposit
4. credit card
5. check
6. cash
7. ATM
Next, prepare or collect pictures that illustrate the words. You can use stick figures, cut-outs from magazines or downloaded online images if you prefer to work with your learner on a laptop or an iPad.
For example, consider this set of bank-related pictures that I found online:
Next, prepare or collect pictures that illustrate the words. You can use stick figures, cut-outs from magazines or downloaded online images if you prefer to work with your learner on a laptop or an iPad.
For example, consider this set of bank-related pictures that I found online:
Using the Laubach method, you would teach vocabulary by saying a word and asking your learner to repeat and to point to the picture that matches the word.
But knowing individual words can only get you so far. After you teach the words "bank teller," "ATM," "deposit," "withdraw," "credit card," "check" and "cash," you can adapt the Laubach method to teach phrases that combine those words to describe a function. For this learner, you might consider a functional vocabulary list like the following:
Bank Teller
ATM
Deposit a check
Withdraw cash
These words can be combined to describe different actions.
Does the learner need to deposit or withdraw money? Does she know that she can deposit a check with either a bank teller or an ATM? She can also withdraw cash from either a teller or an ATM.
For the phrase "withdraw cash from an ATM," you would say the phrase while pointing to the bottom-right photograph, and then ask your learner to repeat and point. You would do the same for other phrases you come up with.
To use the Laubach method effectively, you have to listen carefully to your learner's vocabulary needs as revealed by the LEA transcript. For example, if your learner doesn't mention banking but instead something along the lines of "car appointment," consider teaching the words "mechanic," "oil change" or "Midas." Of course, you'll have to prepare relevant pictures ahead of time based on a previous lesson.
While the above examples demonstrate how to use both Laubach and LEA to teach your learner specific vocabulary words, you can take this method one step further and introduce grammar concepts like pronoun usage and verb tenses.
A post soon to follow will show you how!
Happy Tutoring!
Jiyoung
Jiyoung Song
Programs and Social Media Intern, English At Large
Dartmouth College, Class of 2016
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