Principle two

2

Create the Conditions

Page 10 · Six Principles That Never Fail

You cannot pour language into a frightened child. Build a room where mistakes are safe and warmth is the weather. This is Krashen’s affective filter, made practical.

  • Share your own stories. Tell them about your own language blunders. When the teacher is human and unafraid to be wrong, children stop hiding.
  • Model positive language. The “disruptive” child is “energetic.” The “slow” child is “thorough.” Speak your students into their better selves — and try a compliment circle.
  • Use your body — nonverbal communication. Eye contact says I see you. Proximity manages behaviour without a word. And smile — smile until they smile back.
Children don’t learn from teachers they fear. They learn from teachers they trust.
Contents Lesson planner