I have thouroughly enjoyed the coursework for this add-on ESL endorsement. The methods courses were most applicable to my job as an ESL teacher. My Wiki has been a great tool for both myself and my students. They enjoy playing the games that I included and always love exploring the International Digital Children's Library. My school system has even linked my Wiki to the system webpage.
This online program has been the most student-friendly of any I have been a part of. Dr. Craig has been most helpful when problems arise. I have enjoyed sitting in my pajamas, meeting friends, and growing professionally.
As advice to others, realize when you go into teaching ESL students that you may be the only person in the building looking out for the students' best interests. You are the one that makes sure the forms are sent home in the home language so parents can read them. You are the one making sure that teachers are giving students accomodations. You are the one that encourages them when they are having problems in the regular classroom. The ESL class is a place where these students feel safe and can be comfortable with their culture and home language.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Entry #5- Literature Circles
I implemented the Lit. Circle activity with Kindergarteners using the book Curious George Visits the Library. Let me say that it was a struggle (on my part), but the students enjoyed the activity. Why was it a struggle? The students were not familiar with completing graphic organizers and they just looked at it. I felt that I had to provide much of the information for them. I can see how making these literature circles a regular part of the class would make it go smoother each time it was done.
Literature Circles are very appropriate for ESL students because the teacher can control reading levels, discussion questions, and vocabulary, but the student still has the power to choose which book he wants to read. To implement Lit. Circles, a teacher must be organized and prepared. The teacher must also express high expectations if students are expected to work in groups without the teacher's leadership of the group.
Literature Circles are very appropriate for ESL students because the teacher can control reading levels, discussion questions, and vocabulary, but the student still has the power to choose which book he wants to read. To implement Lit. Circles, a teacher must be organized and prepared. The teacher must also express high expectations if students are expected to work in groups without the teacher's leadership of the group.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Fieldwork Blog #4
Interviewing, observing, and working with one student over a period of a few weeks has been a rewarding experience. The observation gave me a chance to see my ESL students performing in their regular classroom.
Conducting a case study and writing an ethnographic narrative are great tools to examine teaching practices and bias with the school and community. It gives a clearer picture of the community in which the student lives and ways that the family interacts.
I would like future teachers to know how important the family relationship is to this student. I would also like them to know that just because the family doesn't understand English doesn't make them stupid or uninvolved. This student seems very fluent with the English language, but continues to struggle with academic language and should not be expected to perform as natice English students.
Conducting a case study and writing an ethnographic narrative are great tools to examine teaching practices and bias with the school and community. It gives a clearer picture of the community in which the student lives and ways that the family interacts.
I would like future teachers to know how important the family relationship is to this student. I would also like them to know that just because the family doesn't understand English doesn't make them stupid or uninvolved. This student seems very fluent with the English language, but continues to struggle with academic language and should not be expected to perform as natice English students.
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