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Considerations for ESL studnets in the regular classroom during centers
by Betsey on Jan 07 2010 2:38 PM
Hello, I am the ESL teacher in a school with 60 ESL students. The regular classroom teachers are looking for suggestions on how to accommodate the ESL students in their classes during center time. Any suggestions?
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Re: Considerations for ESL studnets in the regular classroom during centers
Yes absolutely.
Much of the "Teaching Tips" on the EverythingESL.net website will be helpful.
Also, I have written two books on the topic. It is very difficult to answer this question in a paragraph. The first book is "Getting Started with English language learners" (ASCD,2007) and it contains basic information about SLA for classroom teachers. I have another book coming out - also published by ASCD - in February 2010 called Teaching English language learners across content areas.
Judie Haynes,
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Re: Re: Considerations for ESL studnets in the regular classroom during centers
Thanks, but could you direct me to tips specifically about accommodations for ELLs during literacy centers in the regular classroom?
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First, I must tell you that classroom teachers need to learn some basic information on second language acquisition. They can not understand the important of the suggestions that follow without it. Much of that information is available on my website in very teacher-friendly language. They should read about BICs& CALP; Comprehensible input and stages of language acquisition.
Classroom teachers need to find ways to give a piece of the content area instruction to the ELLs in their classes. Don't expect ELLs to learn all of the content. This usually means a change in how they teach the whole class. First, find a way to make the content comprehensible. Use visuals, graphic organizers, write key words on the board, preteach vocabulary, use nonfiction books written on the appropriate grade level for you students. (I love National Geographic nonfiction books) ELLs will not be able to use the grade level textbooks without modification. Modify speech using shorter noun/verb sentences. Slow down the speed of your speech. Most important, have students work in small groups.(best to use formal cooperative learning with everyone having a particular job) Lecture style teaching does not work with ELLs. (I advocate the end of lecture style teaching)
Hope this helps.
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Re: Considerations for ESL studnets in the regular classroom during centers
Judi,
Your answer to Betsey's question sounds like an ad for your books! I thought this site was to help other ESL teachers and not promote specific materials. I actually do have your books but it would have been nice to have given her some specific feedback-
A Friend
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Re: Re: Considerations for ESL studnets in the regular classroom during centers
Thanks. As I look it over, it does appear commercial.Thanks for the reality check. My response was an attempt to help answer Betsey's question with material that I know would help her. I wrote two whole books dealing with the answer to this question and I did it to help classroom teachers out there. It is impossible to respond to this type of question in a paragraph. (Just so you all know, writing books for educational purposes does not pay very well.) Most ESL authors do not do it for the money. Even prolific ESL authors could not live on the proceeds from their books.
Some of the material in my books is available free on my website. ASCD offers the first two chapters of my book free on their website www.ascd.com. I write a blog where I talk about problems classroom teachers have with ELLs in their classes. I add to it two or three times a week. (http://everythingesl-everythingesl.blogspot.com/) Also, classroom teachers should be accessing professional development discussions on Twitter. Follow me on Twitter (judiehaynes) and join #edchat which is a discussion group for teachers. It's wonderful.
Authors make very little on their books. If you buy my book tomorrow, I would earn about $2.50.
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Re: Re: Considerations for ESL studnets in the regular classroom during centers
Books are very helpful, and I appreciate the offer, but classroom teachers today are "time challenged"! What I desperately need is a book of handouts I can give to likewise overwhelmed teachers.I can then dish out these "handout bites" to them-- like one handout a week-- something they might retain and do, a little at a time. It would be fun! Because-- I spend hours on the new classes I am creating for my students. I take a night class for more certification. The regular content teachers do the same. Then we have committees we must be in and in-service initiatives we must participate in. It's almost overwhelming. I put 60 hrs a week in at least, and am only a 3 year teacher. Small bites! Pre- prepared! I feel like an ELL student-- too much to digest! I & and my overwhelmed regular teachers need something with tips/strategies without so many words! Thanks!
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Re: Re: Re: Considerations for ESL studnets in the regular classroom during centers
Many ESL teachers use the articles on my website - starting with the list I gave you above. They print out an article a week and give them out to teachers in their school. These articles are short. I understand that you are overwhelmed but I don't think there is anything quicker available than various short articles on the internet. (It does give me an idea for a series for my site.)
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Judy, I will check these tips out right now, thanks... what is your web site? Thanks.
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everythingESL.net You are on it when you go to this message board.
Good luck.
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Re: Re: Re: Considerations for ESL studnets in the regular classroom during centers
PS. Gotta go now-- I have to correct papers, and prepare for my evaluation this week by the principal. Also I have to think about finishing administering the yearly Illinois ACCESS ESL assessment we do by the deadline. Then there's my family commitments.... I just want to paint the real picture, I guess. I love teaching in spite of all of this!! I'm just putting a plug in Judy, for your next book of A-Z in-service handouts for teachers and administrators for ESL teachers to better serve their school! Thanks!
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Re: Considerations for ESL studnets in the regular classroom during centers
im a esl student and what teachers did for us is put the esl students in a group to discuss problems and that helped alot
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