The lessons are planned to enable learners to begin speaking Swahili with the people they encounter from the first day.  First an adaptable greeting formula is taught, then introductions, and so on.  Each lesson aims to equip students for conversations they are likely to encounter.  In each day’s class sessions students are asked to listen first as the lesson is introduced (to listen without looking at any written words.)  This is extremely important.  It is also very difficult for adults who have become accustomed to learning more readily through reading than through hearing.  But language is speech, and it is important to first train the ears and and tongue.

Each lesson is divided into two sessions.  In these two sessions students are introduced to new vocabulary and grammar by illustrations and simple explanations in Swahili or English.  At the end of each lesson a vocabulary list containing new words found in sample dialogues is provided.  Following these instruction sessions, students disperse into practice groups of 3-5 students with a native-speaking tutor assigned to each group.  Various grammar patterns are drilled until responses become automatic in order to help learners to speak the language naturally and correctly without first having to think of grammar rules and how to put the different parts of a sentence together.  These drilling sessions also provide an opportunity for students to ask further questions and clear up misunderstandings.