The method must vary. They cannot be the same for each student. Divide each lesson into two or three segments, no more than fifteen minutes each at the beginning. This time division can change when attitudes change. There should be an oral segment which allows for an exchange between pupil and teacher. Special care must be taken, for here we are building confidence and establishing a working relationship. There must be success built into each lesson. The student must meet with success if he is to continue.
The need for privacy in the beginning is of utmost importance. We begin with one on one, then move toward small groups. The total group activities in the beginning should be oral ones. You may chose to read to the group or listen to a tape that you can stop at key points for questions and answers.
Sometime we can talk about common interests. An example of this is the sports. Here you can find an interest and build from there.
____
We are constantly looking for sparks of interest.
____
We start with the alphabet, manuscript cursive writing and alphabetizing. Then we will tell the students that all letters that make up the alphabet have a meaning. We also tell the students that, among these letters some of them are called vowels, and some are called consonants, single blends and double blends. As we go along you will learn that each letter has its own sound.