What is the turtle method and how does it work
The turtle method is a “slow” but “sure” way to learn a new language. It is based on Professor Stephen Krashen’s theories (University of Southern California) and it primarily consists of listening to and repeating comprehensible language input in a stress−free environment.
This method will help you to speak Italian spontaneously, without worrying about grammar, nor the need to mentally translate. You will focus on listening and conversation, balanced with reading and writing.
A few weeks from now, you will have made surprising progress and you will have stored new sentences and vocabulary in your long−term memory. Above all, you will have practiced Italian pronunciation every day, which is essential for natural conversations.
We don’t promise miraculous results in a few days, but we can assure you that by completing the three levels of the course you will be able within a year to understand and converse spontaneously with Italians.
The turtle method is suitable for all students who wish to stop “translating” in their mind and instead be able to have a quick and spontaneous conversation.
The turtle method’s 5 exercises
Each lesson is designed to be repeated every day for a 7 day period. After a week has passed, start on the next lesson for another 7 days. Keep it up until you reach the end of the level.
The five exercises you should repeat every day are:
1. Listen and Read: read the lesson and listen to the corresponding audio recording at the same time.
2. Listen and Repeat: listen to the lesson and repeat it out loud, one sentence at a time, during the pauses in the recording . If this is too hard at the beginning, you could read the transcript as you listen and repeat.
3. Listen and Answer: listen to the lesson and answer during the pause. Then listen to the correct answer.
4. Listen and Write: listen to the lesson and write what you hear on a piece of paper. When finished check that your writing matches the transcript.
5. Study the flashcards: look at the picture and try to say the Italian translation out loud. Then turn the card over and check: if you get it right, put the card aside and move on to the next one. If you get it wrong, repeat the Italian word a few times and then place the card at the bottom of the deck, so that you study it again in the same study session.
After 7 days, move on to the next lesson.
Every day, study both the new flashcards and the old ones from the previous lessons.
Italiano Spontaneo 