software for initial literacy also has uses for English Language Development.
Exposure to English Sounds does not guarantee mastery
Mere exposure to the sounds of a language does not guarantee that speakers of other languages will learn its phonemes and morphemes. Many of my English students have years of exposure to English, but never perceive the differences between (what at least to them are) similar English sounds. Since they do not notice these differences, no amount of mere exposure will be sufficient for example, to teach them the difference between walk and walked. This is a serious problem, since it prevents these students from ever noticing the difference between the present and past tenses (or sometimes participle, present continuous, and even third person present).
What students of English as a foreign or second language need are purposeful examples.
Here are some of the sets of sound contrasts that students practice distinguishing in AlfaCat:
have/half price/prize
cat/cap cape/Kate crash/cash
play/player/players/played/playing
plant/plants/planting/planter
fit/feet mit/meat
it/eat this/these
cheese/she's toes/those wash/watch
walk/walked
talk/talked/talking/talks
Passive Practice Should Proceed Active Practice
Because students distinguish these sounds in AlfaCat, rather than having to produce them in meaningful speech, they can focus their concentration on learning the differences between them. Then when you give instruction focusing on these differences, your students will actually be able to perceive them. And because students try to master this game, their motivation is intrinsic, rather than extrinsic (you telling them they should care and try). Personally, I find intrinsic motivation works faster and better.
Addition of Literacy in English
English spelling is tricky. AlfaCat's straightforward presentation of common vocabulary with letters and digitized human sound helps students learn the different sounds letters make in English (as we speak it here).
![[Image]](AlfaC_pict6.jpeg){kind=small}
See a sample evaluation printout
12 pages of
ESL tips based on the hundreds of annual oral English tests I've
administered
Copyright © 1994-2005 by Joshua C.
Ezekiel Last modified 2/23/2005