Publication—Sanskrit Primer I Teachers’ Guide

Publication—Sanskrit Primer I Teachers’ Guide
Samskrta-vidyarambhah – Part One – Teachers’ Guide

This resource provides an integrated package of flexible entry-level resources for teachers, and for students who are new learners of Sanskrit. A detailed glossary and transliterated text format is used throughout in order to support newcomers to Sanskrit. For some teachers this resource may be their first encounter with Sanskrit. It is designed to assist those new to Sanskrit and to provide support and insight for those who are familiar with the language. It supports teachers to become facilitators in the classroom learning along with, and in some cases, from their students. Students who are speakers of Indian languages will be able to make many connections between Sanskrit and their mother tongue.

COMMUNICATION

Communication in Sanskrit is the goal. Research in learning a language in a classroom setting emphasises the importance of communication in the new language by providing students with multiple opportunities to hear and use the new language. Unlike other classical languages such as Latin and Greek, Sanskrit is very much a living language and enjoys a high profile amongst the languages and literature of the modern world.

INTERACTIVE LEARNING TASKS

This is a communicative language programme. Pair and group work are promoted. Each lesson contains suggested learning tasks. Learning tasks are designed to provide hands-on opportunities for students to be involved and to participate in meaningful and interactive ways using Sanskrit. Each unit has suggested interactive games to reinforce the target language structure or vocabulary. The learning tasks are designed to encourage authentic language use by the participants.

WHOLE CLASS PRESENTATIONS

There are times when it is most efficient and effective for the teacher to present new material to the whole class. Generally we recommend that this is limited to 10-15 minutes at the most. Time should be given immediately after the demonstration for individuals to practise the target language structure and vocabulary with a partner or in a small group. Research into effective language learning in the classroom supports the notion of partner and small group work to increase the potential for participation and mastery.

CLASSROOM LANGUAGE

Teachers are encouraged to use Sanskrit in the classroom as much as possible, especially for instructions and praise. A list of commonly used classroom Sanskrit is given in the second unit to this book. Teachers are encouraged to display language around the classroom for easy and quick reference for students. You can find a number of classroom display posters for free download on our website. The purpose of these materials is to promote individual use of the target language through immersion and interactive tasks and activities.

Testimonial
Key components of the guide

  • Clear explanations of each task and how best to conduct them.
  • A detailed overview grid of the coverage in each unit.
  • Complete translations of all activities from the student book.
  • Clear explanations of the methods used throughout the course.
  • Insights into the gradual progression of language learning.
  • Practical considerations for extending fast learners.
  • Explanation of the purpose for incorporating the various games.
  • Alternative rules for playing the games.
  • Additional tasks and activities to supplement the units.
  • Thematic word lists provide a quick check reference.