Why I don't teach tongue twisters to my students (and what I do instead)

[@Adrenalin90skill]

It's off topic but I'll never forget how Steffanie's fluency breakthrough instagram course practically became a paradigm shift for me, and opened up so many opportunitues. Back then I was only in the beginning of my speaking journey and was always feeling exremely tensed up anytime I'd have to speak with anyone in English, and that was adding up to my already anxious personality, so that was super bumpy all around. Now I got a job at a full-fledged American coding school as an admissions advisor and my prospects have no idea that English is my second language. Now, I'm a self-starter and did do my due diligence, I really put immense amounts of work into it myself, and am still making minor tweaks to where I feel it's needed, but...Steffanie goes above and beyond with her coursework and my participating in her course (twice) back then, was definitey a game-changer. I just wanna spread the word, so to speak, especially for those who are thinking whether or not they should put their trust in Steffanie as a teacher. In my experience it was a life-changing decision, but ultimately it's up to you, of course. Good luck everyone! Y'all get there eventually!

[@edmundodanteaguilar7226]

thanks You for the recomenthation ...

[@ThePraQNome]

I'm so happy Stefanie is back on KZbin. I did the Fluency Breakthrough Challenge and it was an awesome experience.

[@jiyere]

Her diction and articulation are incredible. There are only a few cuts in this video,that's amazing!

[@HilBG]

I don't even teach English anymore and I still watch your videos because you're so smart, concise, thoughtful, and correct! I just love getting your perspective even though I'm not applying it anymore. Thanks for your great content, I know you're helping lots of people!

[@charlielcampos7771]

Hello from Brazil 🇧🇷. I used to work with them but now I'm with you. You made a great point.

[@Englishwithtyler]

Finally someone that agrees with me when it comes to tongue twisters! 🙌🙌🙌 haha Sometimes as a native English speaker I can't even say it so why would I teach this to people... The only time I use tongue twisters is as a warm-up for my voice-over actors.

[@TheEnglishCoach]

Exactly!!! Actors use this as a warm up for their voice, NOT to practice pronunciation... because they can already pronounce the words perfectly. I totally understand the desire to use tongue twisters with English learners, but with basic pronunciation being as difficult as it is... I just don't see the point. Sometimes my students struggle to say very basic, very common phrases using correct rhythm and connected speech... so why would I make it harder than it has to be? Also, I didn't mention this in the video... but one of the reasons tongue twisters feel so unnatural is because they often don't USE natural English rhythm. I could go on and on... haha

[@MsTranthihai71]

@@TheEnglishCoach I totally agree with both of you.

[@Doug5O2]

Gracias por regresar en KZbin. Tus vídeos me han ayudado mucho mi listening y pronunciar algunas palabras correctamente. Por favor sube más vídeos de pronunciamiento

[@stefane2153]

Couldn't agree more, that's why I'm trying to do now, learn these sounds that are still a challenge to me and move on to minimal pairs and stress. My problem is I don't know how to stick up with this plan for so long and that frustrates me...I am at the verge of advanced English so learning this building blocks is a must. Anyways, so glad you're back, Stephanie. Hope we can learn more English from you!

[@helbert.epbrazil7285]

🇧🇷 Hi Steff, we're glad you are back! 😊 Listening is the key! Lots of hours of listening, at least 6 months of understandable English (books for kids, than after books for teenagers), just in the same way we did in our native tongue. To improve pronunciation, we must imitate a natural way, choosing our 'parents' in English and trying to follow their way of speak!

[@belladelgado1614]

Hi! What do you mean? Something like "comprehensible input" of Steven Krashen

[@kidssecondlanguage]

Couldn’t agree more🎉

[@helbert.epbrazil7285]

@@belladelgado1614 exactly

[@edmundodanteaguilar7226]

thanks You helbert.epbrazil

[@amanipeter4126]

I've never taken an English course before, but Stefanie's videos have created a concrete foundation in my English fluency journey. I've been following many American English teachers for about 8 months but, her videos boosted my fluency off the charts. Now, I'm bidding to become a great communicator in English by hook or by crook Thank you.

[@luisfilipedeandrade556]

You r one of the my favorite teachers. You really know what really matters, you feel it!

[@syedmudassarhassanshah804]

Excellent English with correct grammatical rules and pronunciation. May Allah Almighty always keep you happy Sister. 👍

[@RunintheOven]

That is very unusual to hear from a native speaker that tongue twisters should not be a method to improve pronunciation. I would never guessed that. Thank you

[@TheEnglishCoach]

Well, I know a lot of teachers use this method. But after spending years thinking about the best, most effective way to learn pronunciation and building an entire A-Z pronunciation training program, I realized there are simply BETTER methods. Tongue twisters are unnecessarily difficult, they often have an unnatural rhythm built into the sentence, they have the words ordered in a way that MAKES you mess up… and if a learner struggles with certain sounds, they can just drill normal everyday chunks of the language that already have these sounds in them. Sometimes people teach something because everyone else does it or it’s what they learned to do. You have to think hard and critically and really analyze what you are doing to see if it’s truly effective or the BEST solution. And, when it comes to language learning, there are SO MANY teaching “techniques” that simply don’t help the students as much as others. Maybe I need to make more videos about what I do with my students, what works, and what doesn’t.

[@pedromalbernaz]

I love you videos. You helped me to get rid of my Portuguese accent. Now, people are barely able to tell whether not I'm from California.

[@حمدىمتولى-غ1ي]

I wish all English speakers speak like you, I won't struggle again about listening 👏☺️

[@adamclark1972uk]

I like her

[@Thomas-qf6bf]

I believe tongue twisters are great for those whose English is on a very advanced level. I, personally, love them and use them myself and with my students. They certainly do help with one’s articulation and diction, which is very important. And you’re right, they are fun!

[@foot-bol]

Stefanie, I've been waiting for you to show up again since 2019 or 2020. I'm so happy you're back. Congratulations for your babies

[@hiimsusan]

I love it🎉. I can't express how grateful I am for having taken several of your courses, and I must admit that all of them have been effective.❤❤

[@TheEnglishCoach]

@@hiimsusan that’s awesome! Which courses did you do and which one was your favorite? ☺️

[@lorenzopria4810]

Snappy, witty and great advice. I am new to this channel and I have to admit that you nail it every episode. I have been through everything you say when I was learning english the first period that I lived in London. Keep up with the amazing work. Please never stop it!! Greetings from Italy!!

[@GonzaloHansen]

Excelente mensaje Stefanie, pienso que el núcleo de este video es enfocarnos mas en pronunciación, articulación y dicción

[@carloshernanreyesruiz2513]

You were the first native english speaker I understood to. I'm so glad you're back! c:

[@santoshernandez8206]

Stefanie is back on KZbin. Thank you so much for making this video. I loved it. I’ve been waiting for you to make more videos.

[@eduardoaraujo6504]

Came across this vid while preparing a lesson on tongue twisters. Thank you for this reminder.

[@quifulkidsbabyshop3172]

Hi Steffanie’s. I am very anxious for The fluency breakthrough to start 😊 every day I listen to you on my way to work and my launch time. Thank you!!

[@TheEnglishCoach]

We are gonna do it in January!! :D

[@muhammadmajid7522]

Thank God my favorite english teacher is back , I'm so happy and lucky to be Stephanie's student .. Lots of love ❤❤❤

[@DevExplained]

So excited to see you back in KZbin. I love learning from you. You’re a great teacher, I have learned so much from you.

[@arnaldosimas7470]

Really amazing. I began studying English in 1970. I think that your classes are very productive. Arnaldo Simas.

[@aritzlizarragaolascoaga6254]

In Spain the "th" sound is very widespread. Z and c(before e and i) have the th sound as in think. So it’s not hard at all. In Latinoamerican countries is otherwise.

[@RahulKumar-pj7ch]

Mam i want to give you one advice which is very good for all students you need to turn subtitles in your videos because some students don't understand your English god bless us

[@SuperEmilioc]

I don't know what to say. She is such a awesome teacher. Excellente class as ever. She is becoming a master of teaching English as a second language..

[@TheEnglishCoach]

Your support means a lot to me 🙏🏼

[@franciscojose6496]

Interesting channel congratulation for your video and your lesson tank you teacher continue your good job

[@patriceniot1508]

Brilliant ! Accurate teaching as usual. I’m eager to see the next video. Patrice from France

[@ernysukmana7365]

Thank you, Stefanie. I'm not a big fan of tongue twisters. I've never understood why teachers use them to teach their studends, now I have the answer.

[@YaskonE]

Thanks for "the day of the theater" Coach! Every day I fight against my pronunciation however I keep going! 🙌

[@Ladorisbell]

Yes, I absolutely agree. They can be used for fun but that’s about it in my opinion. ❤️

[@mohammedamer2871]

By watching this video i get to know that sounds is also very crucial to learn a language,keep it up mam.

[@priyosrihadmanto3409]

Welcome back coach!!!

[@abbosqosimbekov8886]

Awesome view again

[@ellenbeatriz6368]

I love that fact I can understend everything that she shaid ( I feel so fluent)

[@rigobertoaguiluz8884]

Es importante escuhar a los ingleparlantes para tratar de hablar igual a ellos gracias por enseñarnos

[@angelalderete8596]

Is awesome seeing you again !

[@osonhodeleon]

Another amazing lesson. Thank you very much.

[@golllaur]

Glad to have you back! Top tier content as usual 👍

[@mauroibarra3382]

Great video Stefany! You’re always helping me to improve and keep learning English 😊 🇦🇷👋🏼

[@sauerkrautmann7]

I am still waiting for the day that I will need to use this in a conversational scenario... "She stood on the balcony inexplicably mimicking him hiccupping and amicably welcoming him in!" I don't know when it will be... but boy am I ready to go! :D

[@TheEnglishCoach]

we can talk about it tonight so you get the chance to use it in conversation 🤣🤣🤣

[@catrionaflower5411]

Please make a video with your awesome sister🙈🥰

[@brunodart3835]

Hey Stefanie! I was practicing with tong twisters. Imo They are really funny. But you've made a point here. And I think you're so right. I'mma start doing it now....btw..I took part in your 7 days challenge ...and finaly.. thank you so much

[@SanyaPlayed]

FINALLY YOU ARE BAAAACK ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@khedrabbas4241]

I've just ended this video, and I've taken my time watching it as the topic is crucial as far as I'm concerned. I mean that I've been learning English for two years, yet I've started depending on tongue twisters for nearly two months😁😁. What I'm trying to say that they are beneficial in the case that the learner has a notable high level of English priorly. Thanks a lot and I really missed your videos. Keep up the good work❤️❤️.

[@oumar.hocein]

My favorite teacher and for a long time you haven't uploaded any video

[@carloslemes5745]

I have the same sensation! Probably, I’ll tell to my teacher. She used this kinda just one or twice with me in our classes. But, I can confess, I hated! It’s sounds for me like an embarrassing situation. Your observation about it it was perfect! Congratulations!

[@delmar8218]

I’m speechless about how you teach us I love this so much. Tell me how can i get more like this ?.

[@TheEnglishCoach]

Are you referring to the TH practice? This is part of a bonus in my Fluent Pronunciation Course, which is part of my Accent Freedom Program. englishfulltime.com/waitlist-accent-freedom

[@samelgore7575]

When I first moved to the US, people couldn't understand me when I ordered a "Water Bottle", so I decided to only order "Diet Pepsi" and lived happily ever after.

[@omidzakeri7393]

Hi Stefannie. Thanks a lot for this video.

[@EnglishWithIzabela]

I learned English as a third language to fluency and although I agree with you that tongue twisters are lots of fun, I also would not recommend them for learning. They are not practical. I adore your diction. 🤩

[@ht-azizurrahmanshamim1769]

Hi,Mam awesome your speach .Stefany mam, You’re always helping me to improve my english speaking. I watch everytime your english learning vedio Now I can say shadowing is the best method. Thank you for your eye opening lesson. I wish all the English learners would find you so that they will know what's more important to learn English. Again thank you so much ☺.Shamim From Bangladesh. 2 The English Coach Reply

[@che-wen]

I like that your voice sounds like the Hollywood movies and TV series I have seen. Thank you, your video are very helpful for me to learn English.

[@michelleonardo4389]

Finally someone spoke about it. I've always found tongue twisters extremely BORING, cause I don't really use those in real conversations in English, so, from my perspective, they are useless. But I have nothing against who enjoys tongue twisters.

[@TheEnglishCoach]

Maybe next week tongue twisters will finally become fun for you, once you see how much I mess up when I say them 🤣

[@michelleonardo4389]

@@TheEnglishCoach hahaha can't wait to see that 😆

[@codplayer5719]

😁😁

[@thalisonalbuquerque7042]

Hi Setefanie! How longe no see... Grate video as aways.. In my case I agree 100%. Even in my native tongue I struggle to say some words and educate myself to speak better in day to day life. In fact, tong twitters seems to be more related to help enunciation, drilling similar songs in long senteces whithou mess them up, specially for stutter people. That's my case when I was little, but now I'm fine, enven thoug sometimes I still need to pay attention to some words while I'm speaking. To do this for fun sometimes I think is fine when it's not in charge. But in class.... I would get anxious and embarresed. It blocks the overall improvement. I hope God keeps blessing your beautiful family. Good byes from Brazil.

[@rodolfosapon8852]

Thanks You for your point of view

[@williammarinelli2363]

They are fun and they are part of the language. So they are good things for familiarization. Then the extent of practice is a subjective choice.

[@angelsullivan641]

Hey teacher. I really liked the verb classes. Would you do another class like this, please

[@BanterEnglish]

I used tongue twisters with my students, but not for pronunciation. As is mentioned in the section on actors and public speakers, they use tongue twisters to warm up -- which is exactly how I use them! I don't use the overly complicated ones, and I definitely rely very heavily on making them fun and funny. It's not about pronunciation for me so much as a lighthearted way to help the speaker's body "remember" how English sounds feel. It's been pretty helpful for folks so far!

[@muhammadnawaz1512]

Hi dear teacher it's so good to see you again 😊

[@adventurestoothercountrys6524]

سبحان من سواك وابدعخلقك في احسن تقويم

[@profesordanielalvarez3498]

You speak so clearly 🤩 it's a shame all natives English speaker doesn't speak like you 😔

[@josedosanjos2200]

That's very nice to watch your videos.

[@dharmanym8652]

Beautiful mam your teaching also more beautiful .I like your all teaching.god bless you 😂⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️🙏🌹

[@nikolaykovalenkosinger-1410]

singing is also very helpful for pronunciation👍👍👍

[@PandaaYT]

Who else is trying to improve English like me for IELTS exam .✌️🤩

[@LeobardoOscar]

I love your channel. You have such a beautiful voice.

[@มนัสเพลาขํา]

Thank you very much ,to english chouse l am interesting about your guide or plan how to improve english as good probably l have listen to your speaking in english flowing as must like water fall non stop very and very good listening never bore it thanks for advising .

[@ウーロンハイ-u7w]

Wow you’re back!

[@adnansbhan4792]

Hi..l am very happy..when l heard your voies..and you hlep me to learn lunguch.thank you..adnan from Baghdad..

[@steelfanther328]

Thanks a whole lot for your awesome videos! Keep up the good work! We kind of wish you would include more US idioms and slang expressions in your teaching materials, though, so we could communicate with native speakers of American English on an entirely new level. - ESL students from Moscow, Russia

[@TheEnglishCoach]

I definitely plan on making a video like this soon!

[@sashasv2466]

Very very interesting phrases with th. Thanks a lot❤

[@unclebald]

Greetings from Brazil I was missing you here!

[@Mamasprincess-i9s]

You got the words right out of my mouth I used to hate tongue twisters when I was at school and college I also thought that they're a waste of time

[@willymigueldedios6907]

Nice to see you again

[@becomemillionaire6788]

Thanks with gratitude my gorgeous love ❤️🧡🤎💕

[@mineralwater4914]

Where have you been? I couldn't find your channel for months

[@rudiyanaahmed7286]

My beloved teacher ❤️❤️❤️

[@ronlugbill1400]

I am a French teacher in the U.S. This is very helpful. It is hard to find information about teaching methods for pronunciation other than how to make specific sounds in French. I have found it is ineffective to teach pronunciation to the whole class. It has to be done one-on-one. But how to do this when you have a class full of students?

[@casimiroajin5612]

Love your pronunciation 100 thanks for the advice.

[@poor1232]

Thank you so much ..very useful one .

[@Learning-Russian-By-Mehdi]

You 're so great , thanks💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@alkbar11]

Hello Teacher , I have an idea I hope you like it. Why not choose topics according to daily or weekly events, and talk about them, for example, last week, most people were talking about the topic of the American lottery (powerball), through this topic you can explain what is a lottery and how to win, or some history of those who won a lottery before previously from strange stories . And every week or month there is a story that occupies the world that must be talked about, and teach the students some information and vocabulary to benefit from it with the events , its something new

[@tiahbawa5771]

Hi Steff. I knew tongue twisters as a tongue warm up. And they work. They definitely cannot be for pronunciation because for one, you are kind of saying these words rather fast.

[@TheEnglishCoach]

Yes, actors use tongue twisters as a warm up, but I wouldn’t recommend this technique for language learners.

[@Subashana]

Thank you very much teacher ! 🙏🏼

[@epifaniocruz6469]

Saludos me da gusto que habla español

[@moisesreal6830]

Beautiful!!!

[@laurentguillemin8412]

Hello steff what is our English level if we can understand you listening your videos thanks.

[@enriquelagunas7477]

Thank's Stephanie

[@cristianencarnacion2364]

I’ve been watching all your KZbin video, and I totally understand everything what you say so when I’m watching movies I stay behind I don’t understand not even 30% of the movies when they are talking and I don’t know why some advise someone can tells me.

[@LaurelsLearningLab]

You're right - movies are harder because the English is more "natural" - they are speaking for a native audience and not thinking about non-natives 😏 So my advice is to use the captions - even I use them sometimes - and learn as you go 👍

[@amirhaydari5581]

Hi Stefani!!! Great video. Good points. Btw, is it me or the phrase 'beneath the sun' is a tongue twister?😄

[@naseryasin7721]

Oh i don't like having meal in a restaurant. You know what, let's go to the restaurant tomorrow.😆

[@hintergarten]

I couldn't agree more. Saying tongue twisters to teach pronunciation is like reading Shakespeare to teach grammar. I consider anything away from everyday use a waste of time.

[@TheEnglishCoach]

Thank you for sharing this! You summed it up perfectly!

[@احمدنسيم-ر1ح]

My name is ahmed im from iraq my problem i dont understand in conversation with other person what you say just few but i understand in writing message with other person help me please what i do inspite i read and write english so much

[@ayhamal-ghashm7912]

I totally agree with you 🤍💙

[@Mamasprincess-i9s]

I also easily read through it I had to pause the video to read it properly

[@adventurestoothercountrys6524]

انت معلمتي المفضله

[@محمدناصرالباشا]

listening is good for me but I find speaking very difficult. I need your advice