Hot Correction

A suite of quick, in-the-moment correction moves used during controlled practice, where accuracy is the aim and interrupting is appropriate. Each move takes seconds and keeps the class moving.

Core Moves

Move	What to do	Example
Echo-question	Repeat the error with rising intonation	S: He go home. → T: He go home?
Finger correction	Hold up one finger per word; tap or fold the erroneous word	S: I'm agree → T folds the 'm finger
Recast	Say the correct version back naturally	S: She go home. → T: Oh, she goes home, does she?
Prompt	Give a one-word hint	S: He go home. → T: third person...
Facial signal	Raised eyebrow + pause; learners self-correct	S: I have seen him yesterday. → T: [frowns]
Reformulation	Offer a better version without flagging the error	S: The problem is big. → T: A serious problem, yes.

When to Use Which

• Finger / facial signal: grammar errors learners know and can self-repair.
• Echo: pronunciation and word-form errors.
• Recast: errors where the lesson focus is meaning, not form.
• Prompt: when you have already taught the rule and want them to retrieve it.
• Reformulation: fluency work where direct correction would kill flow.

Finger Correction in Detail

Hold one hand out, spread fingers, one per word. Touch each finger while the student re-says the sentence. When you reach the problem finger:

• Fold it down → that word needs deleting.
• Tap it twice → something's wrong with this word.
• Two fingers together → missing word between these two.
• Swap two fingers → wrong word order.

Why It Works

• Minimal intrusion: correction lives inside the student's second attempt, not a teacher lecture.
• Learner agency: the student does the repair; the teacher only signals.
• Visible grammar: abstract rules (agreement, word order) become literal, spatial.

Tips

• Choose a move that matches the lesson's accuracy budget. Fluency activities need Delayed Correction Slot, not hot correction.
• Don't correct every error; pick the ones that serve today's objective.
• Develop a consistent finger-correction routine; students learn to read it.