The Aim Gesture Approach

[Ann Marguet]

I teach elementary school French (pre-kindergarten through third grade). I have been reading about the Canadian, gesture-based AIM method and am attracted by its emphasis on introducing verbs to young children and reinforcing their use through sign language. From the excerpts I have seen, this method seems to allow the students to take more initiative in speaking than they acquire through traditional thematic or literature- based approaches. Is there anyone reading this who has used the AIM method successfully? I see that AIM offers summer training workshops in Ontario. Has anyone attended one of these?

[Elvira Rebate]

I haven't, but I have attended various training situations for TPRS in the USA; while not the same, they have some things in common.

This year's National TPRS Conference will happen in San Antonio, July 20-24.

[Andrea Fanjoy]

Hi Ann

We have been using AIM with tremendous success for the past 7 years. Our teachers have gone to the Orillia summer workshop and one of our teachers was a trainer there.

I taught core French without AIM and then with. Without a doubt, there is no turning back once you've seen what's possible. Our students reach high fluency and mastery of the language. I encourage every French teacher to check it out. I will add that we supplement the program starting from grade 6 because the students are ready for greater challenges through projects, writing their own plays, journal writing, class discussions and such. We also supplement with some structured instruction in verb conjugation and grammar. Also, our older students seek more differentiation, with some keen to continue with the plays and others wanting to do other things.

Our enthusiasm for the program doesn't mean that it is perfect in its entirety for all students, as is the case with any program. Making sure it connects with your students, and making adjustments so that it does, remain important. With all this in mind and in place in all grades, the achievement of French at your school can go through the roof.

Good luck!

Sincerely,

Andrea