With any language point, move the target language through controlled, semi-controlled, and free activities. For example:

Controlled activities work to make the language automatic. Choral drills and substitution drills are just two examples, and through meaningful repetition lay down language pathways in the brain.

Semi-controlled activities move beyond the controlled stage. Activities here allow the students to play with the language a bit, but yet still reinforces today's target. Q&A in which the answerer must add information, and ask a follow-up question is an apt example.

Free activities allow the most options for students. They use today's language, and tie it to past lessons. For example, students interview as many people as possible in five minutes about a recent vacation. They then reform into groups, compare answers, and decide who had the best vacation.

I'll use an analogy to describe the above: Controlled activities are like a bicycle with training wheels. After some time, and a lot of riding, one of the training wheels gets removed, but one remains to catch the learner. This is the semi-controlled stage. Lastly, with both training wheels removed, he/she is riding the bike without any assistance. Through repetition, practice, and reinforcement, but then also by letting students move on and play with the language, their ability to remember the target language improves.

In your case, give students enough opportunity to practice the correct pronunciation of the vocabulary, and then continue on with other challenging activities to reinforce the words.

And of course, students always need to go home and study and/or review!

Chris Cotter
www.headsupenglish.com