an adventure in language learning awaits...
Kalinago English is the host website for SimplyConversationsTM: innovative, pedagogically sound and simple-to-use materials designed to provoke engaging conversations within your language classroom. They come in individual, lexically organized sets which language trainers and/or their institutes can easily download.
The key idea behind SimplyConversationsTM is that effective communication in a foreign language only happens when students' motivation to speak is greater than their fear of making mistakes. For this to happen they need to be interested in the topics and the topics need to authentic, relevant and clearly connected to their lives.
The system is supported by Conversation ControlTM sheets which have been designed to raise language awareness. These are available below, free of charge, in .pdf format.
SimplyConversationsTM is only available on-line. Each set consists of 15 prompt cards and a SimplyQuestTM post-task activity.
Click here for a full explanation of the pedagogical methods utilized to create the materials, as well as extra how-to instructions, free samples and the opportunity to purchase and download by key subject area.
You can also watch a video on youtube demonstrating the system in use.
By August 2008, the materials will also be supported by the SimplyC.wikiTM: tips, tricks and references to other supplementary material.
Kalinago English is also a platform for showing off the best materials and services in the language learning industry. For students and their trainers, there will be a marketplace available where you can access more details.
And...there will also be forums, lists of super links and updates on news and items of interest happening around the world (for you to read in easy English) so feel free to browse around the different sections of the website and discover more of what's on/going to be soon on offer.
Why the name Kalinago English? The word Kalinago, like so many of the words we use in the English language has a fascinating history, one which crosses cultural and language borders, involving the paradoxes of discovery and adventure but also tells the story of how mispronunciation of a word can lead to confusion and misconception. With this in mind, it seemed the perfect choice... click here to find out more.
Karenne Sylvester, the author, is an experienced language trainer originally from the Caribbean, a teacher trainer and writer. Click here to find out more.
Mission Statement
