WO2014027309A1 - Educational apparatus and method - Google Patents

Educational apparatus and method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014027309A1
WO2014027309A1 PCT/IB2013/056619 IB2013056619W WO2014027309A1 WO 2014027309 A1 WO2014027309 A1 WO 2014027309A1 IB 2013056619 W IB2013056619 W IB 2013056619W WO 2014027309 A1 WO2014027309 A1 WO 2014027309A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
alphabet
words
representation
language
abridged
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2013/056619
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Estelle TREIWIS
Original Assignee
Treiwis Estelle
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Treiwis Estelle filed Critical Treiwis Estelle
Publication of WO2014027309A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014027309A1/en
Priority to ZA2015/01069A priority Critical patent/ZA201501069B/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B19/00—Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass
    • G09B19/06—Foreign languages
    • G09B19/08—Printed or written appliances, e.g. text books, bilingual letter assemblies, charts

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Computational Linguistics (AREA)
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Educational Administration (AREA)
  • Educational Technology (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Electrically Operated Instructional Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to educational apparatus and to an educational method to teach reading to a learner. A representation of a substantially abridged alphabet is provided accompanied by a plurality of written sentences made up of a variety of words constructed only from letters of the abridged alphabet. A progression of representations with similarly constructed sentences follows the first. These set out abridged alphabets and build up to a representation of the full alphabet. An illustrated dictionary key is provided as a list of at least some of the constructed words alongside a drawing exemplary of each of the words listed. The sentences form an at least rudimentary story. The letters of the alphabet are depicted in an at least partially non-alphabetical sequence. The invention is suited for teaching a second language. The letter sequence is based on phonetic similarity between the two languages. Also provided is a list of cognate words in the two languages and an illustrated alphabet with letters depicted as a visual representation of relevant cognate words.

Description

EDUCATIONAL APPARATUS AND METHOD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to means and a method for teaching a language and specifically for teaching and developing reading skills. The invention relates in particular to the teaching of these skills in relation to a second language. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
There are a number of techniques employed for teaching language and reading skills, mainly to children. Reading (which also forms the basis of writing and ties up closely with spoken language) can be particularly difficult. Even where the same letters of the alphabet are used to construct words in a second language, pronunciation and grammar can be quite distinct. A foundation in a first language does not necessarily carry over to a second language. The complexities of a second language can present many difficulties. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the current invention to provide means and a method that will assist learners to acquire reading skills in a second language, particularly at the initial stages of the teaching process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the invention there is provided educational apparatus comprising a representation of a substantially abridged alphabet accompanied by a plurality of written sentences made up of a variety of words constructed only from letters of the abridged alphabet. The invention further provides for apparatus as defined in which the substantially abridged alphabet and sentences are accompanied by an illustrated dictionary key providing a list of at least some of the constructed words alongside a drawing exemplary of each of the words listed. Further features of the invention provide for apparatus as defined which includes a progression of representations of abridged alphabets up to a representation of the full alphabet, wherein at least one letter of the full alphabet is added to a preceding representation of an abridged alphabet to provide a subsequent representation in the progression, with each subsequent representation accompanied by a plurality of written sentences made up of a variety of words including additional words constructed from letters of that representation; and in which each subsequent representation is accompanied by an illustrated dictionary key that corresponds to at least some of the additional words. Further features of the invention provide for apparatus as defined in which the sentences form an at least rudimentary story; in which the illustrated dictionary keys depict nouns and/or verbs from the sentences making up the story; and which is provided as a series of sheets, each depicting at least one representation. A further feature of the invention provides for apparatus as defined in which the letters of the alphabet in the progression of representations from abridged to full alphabet are depicted in an at least partially non-alphabetical sequence, with the sequence of each preceding representation maintained and the at least one new letter added to the end thereof.
Further features of the invention provide for apparatus as defined for teaching a second language to a learner in which the sequence of the letters in each representation in the progression is selected based on phonetic similarity between the language being taught and a first language of a learner; in which the sentences are constructed from English words as the second language and for the first language of the learner to be an African language; and for the African language to be selected from the group comprising Xhosa, Sotho and Zulu.
A further feature of the invention provides for apparatus as defined which is accompanied by a list of cognate words in the second language and the leaner's first language and an illustrated alphabet which corresponds to the cognate words in the list, wherein each letter of the alphabet corresponding to a cognate word is incorporated into a visual representation of the relevant cognate word. In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided an educational method to teach reading comprising presenting a learner with a substantially abridged alphabet accompanied by a plurality of written sentences made up of a variety of words constructed only from letters of the abridged alphabet; teaching the learner to pronounce the letters of the abridged alphabet; and teaching the learner to read the words in the accompanying sentences. This aspect of the invention further provides for a method as defined in which the learner is presented with an illustrated dictionary key providing a list of at least some of the constructed words alongside a drawing exemplary of each of the words listed.
Further features of the invention provide for a method as defined in which the learner is presented with a progression of representations of abridged alphabets up to a representation of the full alphabet wherein at least one letter of the full alphabet is added to a preceding representation of an abridged alphabet to provide a subsequent representation in the progression and each subsequent representation is accompanied by a plurality of written sentences made up of a variety of words including additional words constructed from letters of that representation; in which the learner is presented with an illustrated dictionary key which follows the progression of representations and corresponds to at least some of the additional words.
Further features of the invention provide for a method as defined in which the sentences form an at least rudimentary story; in which the illustrated dictionary key depicts nouns and/or verbs from the sentences making up the story; and in which the letters of the alphabet in the progression of representations are depicted in an at least partially non-alphabetical sequence, with the sequence of each preceding representation maintained and the at least one new letter added to the end. Further features of the invention provide for a method as defined for teaching reading in a second language, wherein the learner is presented with cognate words in the second language and the leaner's first language to develop pronunciation of the letters in the abridged alphabet; and in which the cognate words are presented as a list together with an illustrated alphabet which corresponds to the cognate words in the list, wherein each letter of the alphabet corresponding to a cognate word is incorporated into a visual representation of the relevant cognate word.
Further features of the invention provide for a method as defined in which the sequence of the letters in each representation of the progression is selected based on phonetic similarity between the language being taught and a first language of a learner; in which the sentences are constructed from English words and for the first language of the learner to be an African language; and for the African language to be selected from the group comprising Xhosa, Sotho and Zulu.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying illustrations in which:
Figures 1 to 20 show sheets in a booklet;
Figures 21 & 22 show lists of cognate words; and
Figures 23 & 24 show drawings corresponding to some of the cognate words in the lists.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the invention is described wherein a learner is taught to read English. The first language of the learner is an African language selected from the group comprising Xhosa, Sotho and Zulu. Referring to Figures 1 to 20 educational apparatus is provided comprising a representation of a substantially abridged alphabet. In Figure 1, the abridged alphabet is made up of the letters: "a - b - c - 1 - s - i" The abridged alphabet is accompanied by a plurality of written sentences which are made up of a variety of words constructed only from letters of the abridged alphabet.
In this embodiment, the apparatus is provided as a series of sheets, each depicting a representation of an abridged alphabet progressing by at least one letter to a full alphabet as shown on the last sheet, in Figure 20. The sheets are bound as a booklet.
The abridged alphabet and sentences of each sheet are accompanied by an illustrated dictionary key. This is shown as a column headed "dictionary" on the right hand side of the sheets. The dictionary provides a list of at least some of the constructed words. Alongside the list is a drawing which provides a suitable example of each of the words in the list. The abridged alphabet from Figure 1 progresses in single letter increments through Figures 2 to 19 and is presented as the full alphabet of the following sequence "a-b-c-t-s-l-n-d-e-g-h-k-m-o-p-l-r-u-f-j -v-w-x-y-q-z"in Figure 20. As can be seen from Figures 1 to 20, the sheets thus provide a progression of representations wherein one letter of the full alphabet is added to a preceding abridged alphabet. The progression of the abridged alphabet is accompanied by a plurality of written sentences made up of a variety of words including additional words constructed from letters of the preceding representation together with the additional letter of a subsequent representation. The illustrated dictionary key corresponds to and is developed together with the additional words on each sheet.
The sentences form a rudimentary story to facilitate engagement by the learners; and the illustrated dictionary key depicts nouns and/or verbs from the sentences making up the story.
It will also be noted that the progression from the shortest, abridged alphabet (see Figure 1 ) to the full alphabet (see Figure 20) is depicted in an at least partially non-alphabetical sequence of letters. The sequence of each preceding abridged alphabet is maintained and new letters added to the end thereof.
The sequence of the letters in the progression is selected based on phonetic similarity between the language being taught and a first language of a learner. While the actual sequence may be varied, the selection of which letter to add is made with a view to teaching and avoids adherence to the alphabetical sequence and the full alphabet. Letters are extracted from the alphabet and presented to the learner in a limited number. In this embodiment, the learners are started on a six letter abridged alphabet. Once the learners can pronounce the letters they move on to pronouncing the constructed words and reading the sentences.
The method is well suited to teach reading of a second language and, before moving to the apparatus described above, the learner will be presented with cognate words in the second language and the leaner's first language. Examples of such cognate words are set out in Figures 21 and 22. The cognate words of the first language have been derived from the corresponding English word. The words sound similar and the exercise serves to develop pronunciation of the letters in the English alphabet. A further tool to facilitate learning of the pronunciation is shown in Figures 23 and 24. This is an illustrated alphabet referred to as "cognate drawings" which corresponds to the cognates in the lists of Figures 21 and 22. Letters of the alphabet corresponding to the list of cognate words are incorporated into a visual representation of the relevant cognate word. This allows the learner to develop an association between the cognate words, pronunciation of a letter common to the respective cognate words and an image representing both the letter and meaning of the cognate word.
Once the learner is to some degree familiar with the cognate words and cognate drawings, a platform of understanding will be in place and it is to this understanding that the progression of the abridged alphabet, sentences and illustrated dictionary key are introduced.
In this manner an educational method to teach reading is provided using educational apparatus of the invention.
A person skilled in the art will understand that a number of variations may be made to the features described without departing from the scope of the current invention. The reference to "second language" is to be understood to include the teaching of any new language to a learner. The example described is adapted for teaching children but may be suitably modified for teaching of adults. The storyline and drawings may be varied as appropriate.

Claims

Educational apparatus comprising a representation of a substantially abridged alphabet accompanied by a plurality of written sentences made up of a variety of words constructed only from letters of the abridged alphabet.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the substantially abridged alphabet and sentences are accompanied by an illustrated dictionary key providing a list of at least some of the constructed words alongside a drawing exemplary of each of the words listed.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 which includes a progression of representations of abridged alphabets up to a representation of the full alphabet, wherein at least one letter of the full alphabet is added to a preceding representation of an abridged alphabet to provide a subsequent representation in the progression, with each subsequent representation accompanied by a plurality of written sentences made up of a variety of words including additional words constructed from letters of that representation.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 in which each subsequent representation is accompanied by an illustrated dictionary key that corresponds to at least some of the additional words.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which the sentences form an at least rudimentary story.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 in which the illustrated dictionary keys depict nouns and/or verbs from the sentences making up the story.
Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 3 to 6 which is provided as a series of sheets, each depicting at least one representation.
8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 in which the letters of the alphabet in the progression of representations from abridged to full alphabet are depicted in an at least partially non-alphabetical sequence, with the sequence of each preceding representation maintained and the at least one new letter added to the end thereof.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 for teaching a second language to a learner in which the sequence of the letters in each representation in the progression is selected based on phonetic similarity between the language being taught and a first language of a learner.
10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 in which the sentences are constructed from English words as the second language and for the first language of the learner to be an African language.
1 1 . Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 which is accompanied by a list of cognate words in the second language and the leaner's first language and an illustrated alphabet which corresponds to the cognate words in the list, wherein each letter of the alphabet corresponding to a cognate word is incorporated into a visual representation of the relevant cognate word.
12. An educational method to teach reading comprising presenting a learner with a substantially abridged alphabet accompanied by a plurality of written sentences made up of a variety of words constructed only from letters of the abridged alphabet; teaching the learner to pronounce the letters of the abridged alphabet; and teaching the learner to read the words in the accompanying sentences.
13. A method as claimed in claim 12 in which the learner is presented with an illustrated dictionary key providing a list of at least some of the constructed words alongside a drawing exemplary of each of the words listed.
14. A method as claimed in claim 13 in which the learner is presented with a progression of representations of abridged alphabets up to a representation of the full alphabet wherein at least one letter of the full alphabet is added to a preceding representation of an abridged alphabet to provide a subsequent representation in the progression and each subsequent representation is accompanied by a plurality of written sentences made up of a variety of words including additional words constructed from letters of that representation.
15. A method as claimed in claim 14 in which the learner is presented with an illustrated dictionary key which follows the progression of representations and corresponds to at least some of the additional words.
16. A method as claimed in claim 15 in which the sentences form an at least rudimentary story.
17. A method as claimed in claim 16 in which the illustrated dictionary key to depict nouns and/or verbs from the sentences making up the story.
18. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17 in which the letters of the alphabet in the progression of representations are depicted in an at least partially non-alphabetical sequence, with the sequence of each preceding representation maintained and the at least one new letter added to the end.
19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 2 to 1 8 for teaching reading in a second language, wherein the learner is presented with cognate words in the second language and the leaner's first language to develop pronunciation of the letters in the abridged alphabet.
20. A method as claimed in claim 19 in which the cognate words are presented as a list together with an illustrated alphabet which corresponds to the cognate words in the list, wherein each letter of the alphabet corresponding to a cognate word is incorporated into a visual representation of the relevant cognate word.
A method as claimed in claim 20 in which the sequence of the letters in each representation of the progression is selected based on phonetic similarity between the second language and the first language.
22. A method as claimed in claim 21 in which the sentences are constructed from English words and for the first language of the learner to be an African language.
PCT/IB2013/056619 2012-08-13 2013-08-13 Educational apparatus and method WO2014027309A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2015/01069A ZA201501069B (en) 2012-08-13 2015-02-16 Educational apparatus and method

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2012/06041 2012-08-13
ZA201206041 2012-08-13

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WO2014027309A1 true WO2014027309A1 (en) 2014-02-20

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5788503A (en) * 1996-02-27 1998-08-04 Alphagram Learning Materials Inc. Educational device for learning to read and pronounce
GB2394110A (en) * 2002-08-01 2004-04-14 Florence Tesnoingt Bilingual vocabulary selected word dictionary
US20100075282A1 (en) * 2008-07-28 2010-03-25 Yu Gregory J Omnidirectional word construction pedagogical tool and learning game
EP2264685A1 (en) * 2007-12-25 2010-12-22 Vasil'ev, Vladimir Urievich Method for training words memorisation habit

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5788503A (en) * 1996-02-27 1998-08-04 Alphagram Learning Materials Inc. Educational device for learning to read and pronounce
GB2394110A (en) * 2002-08-01 2004-04-14 Florence Tesnoingt Bilingual vocabulary selected word dictionary
EP2264685A1 (en) * 2007-12-25 2010-12-22 Vasil'ev, Vladimir Urievich Method for training words memorisation habit
US20100075282A1 (en) * 2008-07-28 2010-03-25 Yu Gregory J Omnidirectional word construction pedagogical tool and learning game

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