GrapeSEED uses the same natural principles that help a child learn her first language. As a result, the child develops the ability to think in English, a necessary pre-condition for fluency in the language. These principles are:
Communication comes first, not grammar
When young children listen to a phrase for the very first time, they try to connect:
- The sequence of sounds (the 'what')
- What these sounds are trying to achieve (the 'why' = the task or goal)
- How that task or goal is achieved (the 'how')
This is why a baby after hearing the word "mamma" or "mama" from the mother starts associating the words with her. Next the baby will say the words and upon getting instant acknowledgement from the mother, is thrilled to keep learning additional words as their conversation grows to include more words and phrases.
Vocabulary grows via frequent use of common expressions, not by rote memory
The child's first vocabulary begins to take shape when you start talking to a child, first using simple words such as "doggie" for all dogs and saying phrases like "isn't that doggie cute?" and saying this over and over again. Gradually the children will pick up these words to which they will add more words ('a dog', 'a brown dog', 'a brown and black dog').
Depending on the frequency of exposure to the language and the quality of experience, the children rapidly increase their vocabulary provided they get enough practice in form of numerous expressions until they start using these words on their own.
Pronunciation develops with constant listening, reading and communicating
Children learn pronunciation by listening to the way it is spoken and trying out the sounds oneself. They also learn to differentiate between similar sounding words that are commonly spoken. This constant first-hand listening and shared reading combined with understanding individual sounds corresponding to letters and combinations, results in great pronunciation skills.
Higher proficiency comes from progressively complex use of the language over time
As a child grows older, she uses the language in progressively more complex ways depending on her aptitude and surrounding social and learning environment. At every stage, she is either practicing her existing language skills or building on them to move to the next level, all in a very natural way.