Much research has shown that exposing learners to a concept or structure before they are ready to assimilate it has little positive effect. Text Reconstruction is a popular tool for holistic practice. In the program shown here, Eclipse, the teacher can enter a text that the learners are familiar with, but it may be re-formed. Perhaps they saw it as a dialogue, but now it is a past tense account. At any rate, they are quite familiar with the content and vocabulary, and it is current and pertinent.
Students begin to guess words.
Where ever the word appears in the text, it is shown. Eclipse Soon, however, they begin to come up with situations like that above, where the context will likely force a particular word. This is the type of activity that can be added easily to a week's lesson plan, as an introduction or follow up. It may take only a few minutes. Students can explore various combinations.