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kingmi,
Reading is a very good way to learn a new language but, at the same time, so is conversation. A multi-faceted approach is definitely the best way to go. Reading alone doesn't work to learn the sound of the language as it is spoken. Conversation alone doesn't give a good understanding of the basic rules of the language. Without both, language instruction will have functional holes in it.
I am quite fluent in written Spanish, but only moderately fluent in conversational. A couple weeks of being in a Spanish speaking environment does worlds of good in becoming conversationally fluent, but that period of time is quite necessary. Learning English in an English speaking environment will help students conversationally, but it won't do them a lot of good in the important skill of reading and writing English. It's like taking the problem that I have in Spanish, and turning it around the other way.
Your choice of a teaching method is very good. 
JJ
posted by
Jack_Flash
on June 17, 2005 at 5:49 AM
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I've always felt that
old dogs can be taught new tricks. I'm learning them all the time. Sounds like you have a great plan. These experts are always coming up with what they see as the solution to the educational problem, but it still all comes right back down to the basics. I think part of the problem is that kids tend to skip over words that they don't understand instead of taking the time to find it's meaning, thus limiting their vocabulary. You might consider having the kids make a list of words that they come across during the week and discuss their meanings in your groups.
posted by
Moondawg
on June 17, 2005 at 5:14 AM
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Do you ever not think about work? lol
posted by
Ca88andra
on June 17, 2005 at 3:22 AM
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