Step 1 - Modelling

The starting point of introducing a language to a learner is to introduce a pattern and/or vocabulary. Learners need to be shown what to say and how to say it. We usually do this through modelling and repetition. Drilling is an effective way of modelling with learners to help hear and practise the language being modelled.

Learners cannot progress to the second stage before practising the activities in this stage thoroughly. This may take several sessions to ensure that learners are confident in their ability to use the vocabulary/pattern correctly (i.e. pronunciation and understanding) before moving on to have opportunities to practise in a structured way (Step 2).

What is drilling?

Modelling is a recognized method of learning a language by repeating a pattern to ensure that pronunciation is correct. This is a short English film that explains what drilling is generally and how you can do it.

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Drilling: Cardiff University

This film shows practitioners from the National Sabbatical Scheme at Cardiff University exemplifying a varied range of different methods of drilling.

Watch the video

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Modelling through song

Singing is an effective way of drilling and repeating a pattern, especially with younger children as the tune helps the children remember the pattern. This resource shows how songs can be used to drill a pattern through repetition. There’s a sound file in the presentation for the song.

Google Slides Presentation

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Planning drilling activities

This is an example of how modelling should be planned through drilling within the theme of ‘Celebration’. The resource was created for the secondary but is suitable for planning activities for primary learners. This is not a collection of resources but a template for planning various methods of drilling.

Download Cam 1 Modelu Uwchradd.pptx

Do you want to further develop your skills in this area?

This website gives you a taste of the principles for introducing the Welsh language in the English medium sector, but if you want to develop your own Welsh skills or your ability to introduce the Welsh language to learners further, contact the relevant officer within the local team to support the Welsh language or visit Dysgu Cymraeg's website.

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MOVE TO THE NEXT STEP

STEP 2 STRUCTURED PRACTISE

An opportunity for the learners to use the language now with support. 'Help' can take many different forms as you can see here.

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