An inside look into our education system
When learning a new language, our brains are constantly fighting with themselves, switching between thinking in two different ways. Sometimes, it is hungry for knowledge, tickled pink when it learns something new, and curious for more and more understanding. But often, it wants to revert back to the familiar, and will use every excuse under… Continue reading ReadTheory Review
As I work with ESL teachers as an advisor, I came across the need for more structure in language learning. In our current fast paced world, where there is a need to "get through" everything, rather than really sit with and reflect on what we are doing, I thought it would be a good idea… Continue reading Tracking your learning with a language learning planner!
There comes a time where, for every teacher who leaves the classroom, they realize they have grown out of touch. I am one of those out-of-the classroom teachers who always tries to keep a trepid foot inside, teaching the orientation class, subbing occasionally, doing demo lessons for new teachers, and conducting fun workshops on digital… Continue reading The Death of Graded Readers?
As an ESL teacher, these three materials alone have constituted the bulk of my instructions, with each completing aspects of English that the others have. At Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center, the official curricula is Side By Side. Therefore, I will start by speaking on Side By Side, and only mentioning our other District Approved… Continue reading Top ESL Curricula Round-Up: Side By Side, Burlington English, and Ellii
After finishing your ESL class, you are required to complete the CASAS Program Update Record. This form measures the positive outcomes that have happened as a result of you taking the class. It is important to fill out this form to celebrate your accomplishments and to secure the funding we need to keep these classes… Continue reading Guide to Filling out the CASAS Program Update Record
As ESL teachers, one of the primary functions of the job is to provide feedback to students on their progress in the language. One of the main ways to do this are through assessments. LAUSD has designed Student Score Sheets for each teacher to fill out and conference with their students. For visual record-keeping, accountability,… Continue reading Guide to Completing DACE ESL Student Score Sheets and Promo/Retention Forms
Ellii is a popular tool for learning English in a classroom setting, with its extensive library of materials and a dedicated online learning platform for learner independent study. I recommend Ellii as a supplemental tool to target difficult grammar areas, give students more story listening and writing practice, and to teach about American holidays. For… Continue reading Ellii (ESL Library) Video Overview Tutorial
The following is a list of handy phrases that every ESL student should master. I received this list from Lingodeer+ level 3 list. Lingodeer+ along with these other apps, are great tools for practicing English. Common Irregular Verbs for Handy Phrases Practice on Irregular Verbs. VerbPast Tenseeatatehavehadhanghunggowentmakemadecatchcaughtdoingdid Activity Participate in the activity below by using… Continue reading ESL Handy Phrases for Conversation
On December 31st, we get together to celebrate the New Year. Watch this video and complete the following conversational and writing activity to learn how the New Year is celebrated in the United States. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Frjp8UECwk Based on the video answer the following questions: Are you going to turn over a new leaf for the New… Continue reading Celebrating the New Year/New Year Resolutions Activity
Although slavery has been around since humanity began in agricultural communities, American chattel slavery was uniquely cruel. Slaves worked by force, under threats of beatings for disobedience. Disobedient slaves were often also mutilated or sold as punishment. Slaves were considered property and seen as inferior because they were black. Most slaves, called field slaves, worked… Continue reading American Slavery-Conditions and Methods of Freedom