Yeah--The Year Is Slowly Coming to an End:)

 


Hello everyone!  There are only another 6 or so weeks left to the school year with probably just a handful of students who might need some support in ending the school year on a positive note.  This is especially important with English language learners who have spent the year not only tackling the course content but also the language.  The focus in this newsletter will therefore be dedicated to offering some last minute tips on helping your ELLs finish the year on a positive note.

Many teachers give final exams to their students.  May is often spent preparing students for the finals.  Here are some ideas that are popular and effective:

 

1. If teachers have had students keep notebooks throughout the year, they might consider letting them use their binders for their finals.Students who have religiously maintained their binders throughout the year will feel rewarded for their diligent work habits.
2. Teachers often have success with having students (in teacher organized groups) lead study sessions for the class.When the students are responsible for creating review lessons for their classmates, they become class experts on their assigned area in the process.The technique used to deliver the lesson is left up to the students (power point, video, games, visuals, etc.). This approach is a highly effective review process.As the class listens to peer review lessons, they take notes on student created study sheets.Again, teachers might consider allowing students to use these review sheets on their final exams.
3. Another popular review/final exam prep technique for teachers is to have students create a study card (index card).On it, students write everything they think that they will need for the final and then bring it to class on the day of the examination.
4. Final examinations may also be broken up in a couple of class periods.For example, students might take a multiple choice on one day and then on another day take the writing component.
5. Create a final exam game such as BINGO or JEOPARDY where, after participation rules are established, the entire class is actively involved in the review process.

Below are some websites with even more ideas to help students review and retain for finals:


12 Top Ways to Rev Up Classroom…


Making Review Time Fun and Worthwhile


Review Methods for Classroom Teachers

Have a great Memorial Day break!

Denise (denise@ellteacherpros.com)
Marnie (marnie@ellteacherpros.com)
Cheryl (cheryl@ellteacherpros.com)

Pinterest (dmcyberteacher) 5800 followers
Twitter (@ell_teacherpros) 4200
Facebook (ELL Teacher Pros) 161 followers

Be a Constant Source of Inspiration and Support for Your ELLs:)

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ELL Teacher Pros                                          March 2016 Newsletter With the start of March, students start the countdown to June:).  All too often, they need a gentle reminder that school continues for 3 more months.  At this point, ELLs need to be made aware of how much progress they have made in acquiring English skills.  How can this be done with meaning?  How can this be done in a personal way that sees the whole student and not just the grade received? 20 Tips on Delivering Positive Feedback includes many of the approaches I have used over the years.  Though all of these approaches are quality ones, I have my favorites (as any educator would):   Feedback must be delivered in a timely manner.The longer it is delayed, the less effective it will be in addressing the problem.This type of feedback should be personal in nature keeping in mind that ELLs are trying to demonstrate their understanding of the assignment in a language that is new.The sooner the teacher and ELL have this conversation, the better. (#2 and #3 in article) Focusing on key questions (#4) is also a must.What can the ELL do, what can’t s/he do, how does her/his work compare to the class overall, and how can s/he do better?These are questions all teachers grapple with daily.For ELLs to do well, all content teachers must tie those questions to all assignments if ELLs are to successfully pass the class and be fully prepared to move to more challenging work in the next school year. One-on-one conferences (# 7) is a favorite of mine.ALL students love that time with the teacher in this setting.I always tell mine though that they must have a solid question to ask me on the work they produced (of course, as a class, we practice what is a quality question and what isn’t).Here, the risk of embarrassment is a non-issue Number 15 is an excellent one.Return tests and assignments at the beginning of a class.This gives students time to ask questions.Assignments given out at the end of class are generally crammed into backpacks. Another great source on this same topic is found in Edutopia’s article entitled 5 Research-Based Tips for Providing Students with Meaningful Feedback.   “Be as specific as possible” (# 1).ELLs especially need to know what they must correct and how.In delivering this information, teachers need also to let ELLs know if the quality of their work is improving and specifically how.This type of encouraging feedback boosts their self-confidence. “Present feedback carefully” (# 4).When corrections are offered, they must be for every single issue.Over-correction leads to ELLs giving up.The “red massacre” should never be used for any student since it kills any desire to improve. One last excellent source for supporting ELLs is found in TESOL’s Motivating Language Learners to Succeed.  Several suggestions are very successful techniques in any classroom, but especially beneficial for ELLs.   Teachers should build pair and small group activities into classroom lessons on a regular basis.Such learning environments build the ELLs confidence in learning the content while building English skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) in a low anxiety environment. Create a friendly classroom environment.Basically, set up a classroom where students help each other. Competition should take a back seat to assisting fellow classmates in learning the content.Small group activities are perfect tools for doing this.ELLs feel safer sharing their insight in small settings than in front of the entire class. Again, many of these tips probably cover approaches that are probably already being used in most classrooms, but a refresher is good as the school year is quickly coming to a close. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Denise, Marnie, and Cheryl ELL TEACHER PROS Visit our blog at TEACHING SUCCESSES WITH ELLS Follow us on Twitter @ell_teacherpros (3,950 followers) Follow us on Pinterest User Name dmcyberteacher (4,600 followers) Follow us on Facebook as ELL Teacher Pros P.S.  We will be presenting at CABE in San Francisco in March 24th.  Come by and say hi:)

California Association of Bilingual Educators--My Presentation on Social Media in the Classroom:)

Edmodo, Twitter, Pinterest

The Common Core will demand building higher literacy skills for English language learners if they are to academically survive in school and beyond.    For this to be realized, teachers should become familiar with the technology that students are already well versed in:  Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest (to name only 3).  Imagine how more engaged students could be if the "known" became part of class routines.

This workshop will demonstrate how EDMODO (FACEBOOK for classrooms), TWITTER, and PINTEREST (academic themes here) enhance instruction for all students.  We will explore options each offers in building literacy, conducting academic research, delivering academic arguments, and writing with conviction--goals of common core as well.

I.  Introduction: 

Social media is very popular with many students.  With such popularity, I decided to start making it work for me in the classroom--students (with strict rules) are allowed to use their cell phones in the classroom!

For TWITTER, I use it with my university students.  It provides a lively feed on what students wish to share on concepts taught in class.  Such feeds may help students who struggle or offer crucial information to me on what to reteach.  Also responses are no more than 140 characters which prevents wordiness on anyone's part (including me).

II.  Pinterest -- it is not just cooking and fashions:).  Think of this site as one of VIRTUAL bookmarks.  You find pictures (which lead you to links) tied to subject areas you created with your boards.

I have 32 boards covering social studies, science/space, English literature, mathematics, diversity, Spanish, French, etc.  To date, I have over 1,250 and climbing.

How do these boards help?  I use selected pictures to provide background information on topics that may be new for students.  Remember that a picture is still worth 1,000 words.

If teachers want students to have access to boards (just to see them), teachers can create private boards that only their students can see.

PINTEREST (English Language Learners' Support)

III. Twitter -- I use this link to stay on top on what fellow educators are doing in teaching ELLs, working with the latest technology, keeping up with science, etc.  It is very useful in my university classes.

Go to my favorites to explore anything and everything on teaching.  

To date, I have 2,225 followers (@ell_teacherpros).   To see my awesome retweets and favorites, you will need to create an account and then look for @ell_teacherpros:) 

I look for links to teaching resources or to colleagues around the world dealing with the same issues I am trying to address with my students.

Though I have tried TWITTER with high school students, I found EDMODO more effective since I have total control on what gets posted:)

IV. Edmodo -- think of this as an awesome virtual classroom which students can access from anywhere with an internet connection.  Since the cell phone is popular, I have students actively use their phones in class when we are not in the computer room (if in the computer room, we are using computers to access EDMODO).  You will need a school email address to access it.  Further, your students' parents can access the site to see what their children are doing.  They can only observe though.

What can teachers do with EDMODO?  Almost anything!

1.  Set up differentiated classrooms within the same class.

2.  Allow students to TWITTER (all safely within EDMODO only) in a safe environment.

3.  Set up assignments with lock out dates.

4.  Create quizzes (multiple choice, true/false, short answer, matching) that can be timed no less.

5.  Take in class polls (great exit ticket).

6.  Keep parents informed on what their child is doing (students must give parents an access code first).

7.  Network with teachers around the world on Edmodo.  International collaboration is possible with this tool.

Try out anyone of these tools and be prepared to be amazed:)

Denise

http://www.ellteacherpros.com

http://www.teachingsuccesseswithells.blogspot.com

How About Virtual CHART PAPER for Your Class!

With money always being an issue in most classrooms, supplies are often times a bit difficult to come by especially when it comes to chart paper (a favorite for group projects).  Add to this inconvenience that keeping such projects for an extended period of time can often times be a challenge at best.  Lamination could preserve some of them, but the process is not cheap and most schools don't even have a big enough laminating machine to accommodate a teacher's needs.

How about virtual paper?  "Paper" that never tears or rips and that the teacher can keep for years?  Well, welcome to PADLET!  This incredible free website offers a student an "easel" to meet the requirements of almost any chart paper project with ease.  Further, unlike chart paper where students must hunt for pictures, tape/glue, scissors, markers, reliable partners who show up prepared to contribute, time constraints, etc., PADLET is online so all a student needs is access to the internet via tablet, desktop, laptop, or cell phone. 

Here is a vocabulary activity from one teacher.  Students had to post sentences using the word FASCINATE in a sentence.  How about timelines?  What about the Odyssey?  Quizzes?  There are so many options here to get kids excited about demonstrating their understanding of an assignment in a non-traditional way. 

As with any app,  explore it in your free time since you have to be prepared for the mistakes students will make in working with something totally new.  I think you will like the app.  My students really enjoy using it and sharing the results with fellow classmates and parents:)

Denise
ELL TEACHER PROS
Twitter @ell_teacherpros
Pinterest dmcyberteacher/denise@ellteacherpros.com

Care to Liven up Vocabulary Review? Try QUIZLET!

How often do teachers of all disciplines have to build academic vocabulary for their students?  Often times, much of such work is done in class and through engaging techniques no doubt.  What if teachers could design online tools for this purpose which students could access at any time from their iPhone/Smart phone, iPod, tablet, or laptop for free?  What if these tools were actually fun?  What if students didn't actually realizing that they were "working"? :)

Well, there is such a tool and it is FREE!  Welcome to quizlet:)  Here is a site that is quite easy for teachers to set up.  This is a must with the workloads teachers have every day.  Once the teacher has uploaded vocabulary and definitions, s/he shares it with students.  If there are multiple classes, there is a fee of $25 a year with more features added, but most teachers are content with free access.

What are the options once the class is created and the vocabulary loaded?  Students can try FLASH CARDS to prep for additional activities on the site.  There is also the option to hear the word pronounced which is very beneficial for the English language learner.  Once self-confidence is established, students may go on to LEARNING the words, TESTING themselves on them, MATCHING word to definition (drag word to definition--if correct, the words disappear), and finally proceed on to SPACE RACE (a game using the vocabulary).

Try it:)

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS
Twitter @ell_teacherpros (1950 followers)
Pinterest dmcyberteacher/Denise Stewart (950 followers -- only academic boards)

Bring Writing Activities Into the 21st Century With EDUBLOG!

Often times, when teachers start their classes on writing assignments, students are only "politely" enthused.  Though the traditional approach does have merit and is a good place to start, teachers should consider using it only as a jump-off point to publishing on the internet.  When students discover their essays will be published to the worldwide web, they become genuinely excited at the prospect.  For them, people beyond the teacher will have the opportunity to see their creativity and possibly provide feedback (if the teacher allows comments to be entered).

How can this safely be done?  Though there are many blogging sites on the internet, here is one that is geared to teachers and their students---EDUBLOGS.  A simple blog is free, but if a teacher wishes to have the entire class interacting with it, there is a small fee, but many teachers don't go that far. 

There are other blogging sites with GOOGLE BLOGSPOT being the most popular.  However, Edublogs has the option of uploading PDFs while BLOGSPOT does not.  BLOGSPOT is also used in classrooms but with the understanding that the submissions are strictly for class use.  Again, teachers use it as a blog and as a "website."  Both are easy to use for teacher and student.

How can blogs be used to motivate students to write and enjoy the process?  What about students completing class projects on their blogs instead of with power points?  Students can upload videos (their own files or ones from the net), incredible photos to support their project, audio if it supports their writing, etc.  All these tools would be used to add grab the attention of the reader of their written work.  Every add-on would serve only one purpose-to make the student's writing more engaging and informative for the reader.  In the global workforce, this is done regularly so why not give students the opportunity (actually multiple opportunities from multiple disciplines) to use it in the classroom?

Anyone can write and blogging will support that statement with ease:)

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

Twitter @ell_teacherpros (1,814 followers and growing)
PINTEREST dmcyberteacher.

Teachers--Are You Getting the Most Out of Your iPad? Here Are 23 Things You Need To Know:)

Apple has created a gem of a tech tool which offers a great deal of potential in revolutionizing the typical classroom and the ways lessons are delivered to students.  The latest invention, the iPad, offers a world of information presented along with a wide range of applications most of which are FREE or almost FREE (ex. $.99 on average).  Education apps permit struggling students to actually have more time to process information in non-traditional ways.  They often times monitor student progress or lack thereof.  Teachers can access the results with ease almost immediately. 

So, once the iPad is in a teacher's hands, what happens next?  After all, before these learning tools are turned over to students, teachers have to become almost instant experts in the basic operational features of the device.  It seems obvious, but to have instruction run smoothly, teachers have to be prepared for the many questions students will have.  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. 

This is a site that every educator will appreciate.  It truly supplies a new iPad owner all the basics in its use.  With the basics fully understood, teachers can move on to mobile power points, whiteboards, etc. with ease.  The quicker the teacher becomes confident in its use, the quicker the technology will be in the hands of students with a master of its use guiding them:)

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

Please follow us on FACEBOOK as ELL TEACHER PROS and on TWITTER @ell_teacherpros.
We are also on PINTEREST (search denise@ellteacherpros.com).

Have Access to Vast Video Library on ALL Subjects and Grades for FREE!

If you are eternally looking for just the right short clip video to support student understanding of key concepts of your lessons,  you will be quite pleased with this site.  Teachers' Domain is for educational use and is free thanks to public broadcasting.  Along with thousands of media resources, instructional tools, and a wide range of classroom activities, you will also find sites offering professional development for classroom teachers.  Registration is free for full access.  If you don't register, you will only be allowed to access 7 sites.

TEACHERS' DOMAIN offers materials in all subject areas (Art, Physical Education, English language arts, Mathematics, and Social Studies) and at all grade levels.  You may browse for resources by your state standards, national standards, or Common Core State Standards.  The choice is strictly up to you.  This collection of outstanding materials will make core content less overwhelming for ELLs especially.  When teachers spend time building in tools to either help ELLs access prior knowledge OR build it when it is not there, they are setting ELLs up to experience success with the lesson.

For those of you looking for new teaching strategies, look no further.  Under Professional Development, you simply type in the lesson planning support you are looking for and click.  You will be presented with a wide variety of videos on teachers modeling the teaching strategies you need.  The videos are of exemplary teachers.  I took notes on WORD STORMING since I would like to share it with some novices at my site (I am an English Language Instructional Coach supporting teachers with ELLs or ESL students).  I believe it will provide teachers with a better view of what their ELLs actually know BEFORE a lesson is started.

Remember that to use this site you must register with a school name.  Please share this with colleagues.

Denise:)


ELL TEACHER PROS

            

Math OUTSIDE the Classroom? Help Kids Make that Vital Connection:)

All too often, students rarely see how the math they use in school has many applications in the real world outside of school. In fact, math can have a fun side to it from time to time:) Prove it with this site: FUN MATH FOR KIDS.

Some of the activities I explored were math and music, electoral votes, kite making, tetris math, and create a graph. Directions were easy to follow and actually fun. This is a site that teachers could encourage parents to use with their children. In fact, parents would be able to support classroom lessons with some of these sites. Further, when parents are actively involved in their children's classwork/homework, children are more motivated to learn. Parents are an integral part of a child's education. Any site that encourages that should be widely circulated at Back-to-School Night, parent conferences, etc.

For almost any teacher from any discipline, why not try linking some of the sites to the actual lessons with math applications which you are working on in class? If you are a social studies teacher, why not try CREATE A GRAPH? Graph voting trends in stellar colors and styles. If you are a math teacher, take surveys and graph results. If you are science, create graphs showing lab results. PE? Graph heart rates for the class.

Try it. You will like it:)

Denise
ELL TEACHER PROS

Teachers' Treasure Trove of Digital Media to Assist In ALL Grades and Subject Areas!

Ever wish you could take the abstract concepts in a lesson and make them more accessible with your students (and especially for your ELLs)? Often times, the real world application is not readily available to drive home a key point without your spending endless time on the internet hoping to get lucky:) Well, the site TEACHER'S DOMAIN may be just what you are looking for and it is FREE! The site is from NY and is dedicated to NY State teachers, BUT open to any teacher anywhere in the world with registration. I am in California and have full access. Content teachers in English, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education, Arts, and Social Studies (all grade levels) will appreciate the already prepared lessons which they can adjust to meet their populations' needs, but more importantly is the digital video selection.

This site's digital collection takes subject material and applies it to the real world. Take the study of angles and slope. It makes more sense when a student can see how it surfaces in the world around them. All too often, students sit in the classes wondering how any of the lesson they are listening to personally affects their lives. Here the video component addresses this often missing component in many lessons. Yet, the site doesn't just offer lots of videos alone. It goes beyond by offering TEACHING STRATEGIES to accompany those videos. This site is quite unique in the extent it goes to supporting every strategy with solid rationales. Such support creates a learning environment in which EVERY student can be fully engaged in the learning process. The scenarios these activities create are ones of full interaction--with peers, with groups, with teachers, with the text, etc.

I hope you enjoy the site as much as I do:)

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS