WORD SURFING

WS for * TESL * TEFL * TESOL * ESL * EFL * ESOL * and other languages

A sample basic WS Page, as shown below can be made by dividing a notebook into 3 columns. Teachers or schools wishing to receive photocopiable sample pages of a WS Book, together with a lesson plan for presenting "Word Surfing" to students, should simply send a short e-mail to WSLesson@yahoo.co.uk

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The space at the top of the WS Page is available for you to make a list of familiar words that are "almost known" - but need another reminder.
new words>>>>>>>connecting words>>>>my words

vocabulary	book word write
live	home parents flat
city	town village country
work	job office holiday
table	chair furniture wood
house	big small garden
train	platform plane catch
cheap	expensive buy shop
food	breakfast dinner eat
drink	water milk wine

a a.m. abandon abbey abbreviate ability able aboard abortion about above abroad abrupt absence absent absolute absolutely absorb abstract abuse academic accelerate accent accept acceptable acceptance access accident accommodation accompany accomplice accomplish according
The space at the bottom of the WS Page is available for you to make a list of more difficult new words which are not immediately important - but can be developed later when the more vital vocabulary above is known.

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Word Surfing shows how such a vocabulary book can help you to expand your vocabulary over time by actually using it as soon as possible. This will be much more useful than just trying to learn lists of translations.

Remember!

1.. The “ mind-mapping” spaces above are for the development of personally chosen words that you want to get to know as soon as possible.These words may come from your lessons, general reading or any other source.

2. Do not attempt to complete “my words” until at least a day after entering your “connecting words”.

3. Only complete "my words" if you are absolutely sure that your "new word" is known - and can be used fluently.

4. Leave gaps if you are not sure - you can always come back to them later ... and enjoy confirming your own improvement.

5. The reverse side can be used in the following way.

a) top half - initial listing of new words as they are met - prior to transferring to main WS Pages for development.... according to your individual priorities

b) bottom half - writing example sentences and important phrases. This is particularly useful for practicing "trickier" words that would be harder to develop naturally in the "mind-mapping" section. Words such as "moreover", "however", "despite" etc have fewer natural "connecting words" - and , in this case, it is probably better to start using them with the help of example sentences.

How WS Books began

The book stems from talking to a large number of adult students and being told about the frustration that they feel in the vocabulary area. It also reflects their general lack of enthusiasm for language courses with too much emphasis on grammatical instruction.Students have consistently said that what they really wanted to learn was

Vocabulary – in order to lead to better understanding.
Conversation skills – in order to practice using their words.
Grammar skills.

This is perhaps an over-simplification, but the general message is clear.

First, vocabulary. Second, practice. Third, grammar.

The need to learn grammar is definitely appreciated – but the main concerns seem to be understanding and communication. People want to be able to talk to each other.So what were the students actually doing about their own vocabulary development? The general answer was “not very much”. Most had tried to learn lists of words but virtually given up after an enthusiastic start. Some had tried card systems … but no-one seemed to be doing this long-term either. Others had tried putting little notices around the house … or used books with gap-fill exercises etc etc etc.Lots of people were trying lots of different methods according to their own individual style - but few seemed to be making sensible, efficient use of the new words that they were discovering - here, there and everywhere. Many of their new words then seemed to be lost in jotted notes - here, there and everywhere.

WS Books were developed to introduce a solution to this problem. They represent a needed focal point to help students understand, investigate, practice, use and get to know their new vocabulary.Originally the concept was intended to help adult learners of English - but the idea is now being adapted to help different age group learners of many other languages.

WS Books will contain

pre-printed pages for you to use your own chosen new words.
6000 + tests of your word power
lists of the most frequently used words that you need to know.
space for you to enter example sentences and phrases.
photo tests to check your understanding of vital themes.
some amusing quotes.

Details of WS Book availability will be posted on this website in the near future.

Pictures that paint a thousand words can be seen at THE ART OF SURFING

Help WS grow! - please visit Sites for Teachers - and spread the words!