Preview the program, to become familiar with content, before using it in class. Choose key scenes for discussion of concepts and note opportunities to build vocabulary. To build fluency, you may want to pick a key point to turn down the volume on a program, making it necessary for the students to read the captions in order to follow the storyline. Previewing is also essential for determining an appropriate break point for programs that may run longer than class time. Explain that captions follow certain principles.
Captions usually appear underneath the person who is speaking.
A single sentence can extend through several captions. Off-screen speakers and narrators are identified. Select appropriate points to stop the tape. Pause, stop or rewind the videotape to focus your students on target vocabulary, new concepts or developments in the plot. Some teachers stop the tape briefly at key points to test recognition or understanding of new words.