The students in this video are a group of Bosnians in Chicago who participated in an EL Civics class targeting elderly immigrants and refugees. A key concept illustrated here is that language develops more quickly and deeply if students get a chance to talk about things that matter to them. What matters to this class is food, particularly vegetables, especially paprecash (peppers). You see students take a field trip to a farm where they pick their own vegetables and then go to a grocery store to compare prices.

Segment 1 - Introduction and Explanation of Key Learning Principles Used by the Teacher: Heide Wrigley introduces the video and key concepts illustrated in the video. The teacher works on vocabulary related to vegetables using flash cards and authentic materials.

Segment 2 - Reception Precedes Production: The teacher uses total physical response to reinforce both listening skills and vocabulary. She asks students to practice questions prior to going to the farm. Two classes join to go to the farm. Students continue to practice on the bus. They discuss whether the vegetables on the farm are expensive or cheap - and ask to go to the bathroom. And then they pick and and pay for their fruit. On the way home they sing a song with a single word: “Peppers.”

Segment 3 - Decrease Social Isolation: The teacher leads vocabulary practice and teaches consumer skills as students compare the price of food on the farm and at the store. There is an example of authentic communication as one student defends his calculations on the white board.

Segment 4 - 10 Easy Pieces: Heide outlines 10 effective strategies that teachers can use in any lesson.