Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Did You Know?

Did you know… that for student’s starting a four year technical degree, half of what they learn in their first year of study will be outdated by their third year of study. Did you know…that in today's society the number of text messages sent and received every day, exceeds the total population of the planet. These statistics can be found in the you tube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7Dhmg6vcXQ&feature=related&noredirect=1.
Our society is constantly changing with the new advancements in technology, which means that as teachers we have to become aware of these changes. Children are no longer accustomed with paper and pencil assignments; instead iPads or computers are what you see. Everything is becoming more and more technologically advanced, even in the classroom.
These changes will affect the way I teach my future children because what is popular now will not be in years to come. As I begin teaching, I plan on using the technology available which currently is the ActivBoards and computers with internet ability. Students can use the computers for research and for creating presentations on the internet or through a PowerPoint. My lessons can be taught using the ActivBoard in creative and interactive ways so that students can become more involved. For example, instead of a student doing a math problem on their paper, they can come up to the ActivBoard to solve a problem. As new technology comes about, I plan on implementing any new technology in the classroom to keep current with my students.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

More Helpful Websites for ESOL Teachers

  1. Starfall- This is a website to help motivate children to read with phonics. This site is suitable for preschool- second grade, special education, homeschool, and English language development children.
  2. Kinder Helper- This is a resource that is useful for teachers as well as parents. For teachers, it provides teaching tips and strategies. For parents, there are stories, comics, games, cards, puzzles, role-playing activities, worksheets, songs, etc. 
  3. English 4 Kids- A website that offers free tutorial courses that are divided into four levels based on the child's developmental stage. These courses are taught through online videos and have self grading quizzes to take after. 
  4. Literactive.com- A leading provider in reading materials for younger children. This site offers comprehensive phonic activities and supplemental reading materials to develop children's reading skills. 
  5. TLS Books- This website offers fun, but instructional worksheets for home and school use. 

Monday, September 5, 2011

Five Websites for ESOL Teachers

1. ESL Galaxy- This website contains various resources for both teachers and students. This website is filled with ESL printables, games, kids activities, and online excercises to help with vocabulary, grammer and pronunciation.

2. ESL Flow- This site contains many lesson plans and ideas for teachers of ESL students.

3. Many Things- A website that contains several different activities for ESL students for practice in or outside of the classroom.

4. TEFL.Net- This site contains many different tips for teachers to help create lesson plans. As well as a helpful worksheet generator for various lessons and activities.

5. Rubrics 4 Teachers- A website with many different examples of rubrics for assessing ESL students.