GRAPESEED GIVES CHILDREN
THE KEYS TO THE FUTURE
- empowers children, broadening their horizons
- paves the way for future learning
- builds confidence in the classroom
- creates opportunities for a lifetime of success
THE GRAPESEED
Methodology
Using the Functional-Notional Approach, GrapeSEED is focused on the practical and immediate use of the English language. Functions, expressions, and vocabulary are acquired with the primary goals of comprehension and communication rather than the cumbersome memorization of grammatical rules and lists of words.
Students learn to listen to and recognize English and to process and speak their thoughts—without having to first think in, and then interpret from, their first or heritage language. By teaching English in the way that children naturally learn (through continuous exposure), GrapeSEED joyfully builds confidence, meaning and fluency.
THE GRAPESEED
Framework
GrapeSEED provides students with the skills necessary for complete communicative proficiency — understanding, speaking, reading, and writing.
GrapeSEED is unique because its framework was built upon five carefully integrated platforms: Vertical Phonics, the Functional-Notional Approach, a Controlled Vocabulary chosen specifically for children, Language Arts Skills that support the development of oral communication ability, and an opportunity for Repeated Exposure and Practice. It is the purposeful way in which all five of these platforms are seamlessly integrated that make GrapeSEED the best way for children to acquire English oral language skills.
GrapeSEED Learning Outcomes
ABILITY TO LISTEN, COMPREHEND, AND RESPOND
GrapeSEED students actively engage in a variety of oral language experiences to gain an increasing level of comprehension and aural skills.
Students are expected to:
- Distinguish and produce certain English sounds, words, and phrases.
- Infer meaning by associating words with actions and pictures.
- Listen for different purposes (functions) such as to get information, solve problems, enjoy, and appreciate.
- Understand information given or questions asked by others.
ABILITY TO SPEAK CLEARLY
GrapeSEED students speak using developmental vocabulary with increasing fluency and accuracy.
Students are expected to:
- Engage in activities that demonstrate communication and language acquisition skills.
- Initiate conversation by employing newly acquired vocabulary and concepts (notions).
- Choose and adapt spoken language appropriate to the audience, purpose, and occasion.
- Gain increasing accuracy and appropriate word choice when speaking.
ABILITY TO READ AND UNDERSTAND
GrapeSEED students demonstrate phonemic awareness and vocabulary development. They learn to comprehend and ask questions.
Students are expected to:
- Develop vocabulary through meaningful exercises and concrete experiences.
- Develop vocabulary by discussing selections that are read aloud.
- Use knowledge of phonics to decode familiar English words.
WRITING READINESS
GrapeSEED students develop the foundations of writing.
Students are expected to:
- Learn to air write letters and numbers.
- Write each letter of the alphabet, connecting the sound with its visual representation.
- Write sentences dictated by the teacher.
- Demonstrate increasing control of penmanship.
GRAPESEED CURRICULUM
Core Components
A variety of teaching tools are needed to assist children as they acquire a new language. Every curriculum component has a purpose, and when used together, they create a rich language learning opportunity.
Learn how each curriculum component contributes to the GrapeSEED experience.
Action Activities
Songs
Shared Reading: Poems & Big Books
Chants
Stories & Story Dictionaries
Vocabulary Picture Cards
Phonogram Cards
Repeated Exposure And Practice (REP)
Readers
