Most Apprehensive About Teaching Lab in ESOL

As a person starts any new endeavor there are always many apprehensions that come along with this adventure. As I embark on my new journey with my teaching lab for ESOL I am most nervous about being able to write proper ESOL lesson plans. I feel confident in my ability to write lesson plans; however, adding the ESOL accomodations is somewhat of a struggle for me at this point. Although, as I progress in the lab I am hoping I learn how to write a proper lesson plan for an EL student. Another apprehension I have is, will I be able to connect with the students? In the past, I have had problems connecting with the children. Granted it has taken a day or so for the children to get used to me coming into their classroom, but since I have not worked with EL students before I hope that I will be able to bond with these children and build a relationship with them. Every time I go into these labs, I go into them with an open mind and this lab is no exception. I have a lot of goals set for myself with this lab that I want to accomplish because I have not taught ESOL before. I want to expand my teaching skills and learn more about this area in teaching. Eventhough I have a lot of emotions going into this lab, I am extremely excited to begin and see what lies ahead of me!

Predicticable Routines and Signals in the Classroom

In the classroom, it is important to have some measure of routine that the students can predict from day to day. This consistency helps reduce anxiety and helps students relax and focus on the instruction. EL students do not always completely understand what is said in the classroom, which is why it is important to have routines and practice them daily. In the text, 50 Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners, I found several examples of routines that can be instituted in the classroom to assist students from day to day. I have arranged these ideas into a graphic organizer so that the uses and benefits are shown for each.

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that for student’s starting a four year technical degree, half of what they learn in their first year of study will be outdated by their third year of study.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.

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. 

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.

Philosophy of Teaching

Teaching has always been a passion of mine ever since I was little. I cannot think of a time when I wanted to do anything else but teach. Since both of my parents are teachers, I got to experience at a young age what it takes to become a successful teacher. I have gotten to see first hand how much a teacher can change a student's life through the interaction between them.
It would be easy to say that I just chose this career path because of my parents; however, that is incorrect. Teaching has and always will be an infatuation of mine because I love every aspect of it. I love grading papers, decorating the classroom and bulletin boards, organizing the decks, papers and art supplies, and most of all I love teaching children. To see the moment when they finally understand is priceless.
I believe I possess the neccessary qualities to become a successful teacher. I am very organized and creative, honest and trustworthy. I work extremely hard on anything I do because even the thought of failing is not an option. I am very goal oriented and I will not stop until I reach the top and have achieved all the goals I have set for myself. I have a very caring and loving heart especially when it comes to children. I will do anything I can to see that children succeed. Although, having all of these qualitites are neccessary in becoming a good teacher, I think the most important quality is having an open heart and a passion for teaching. Teaching is not for everybody; you have to be a special person to become a great teacher and I think I am up for the challenge. Teachers can become significant role models in their student's lives, and to have just one student think that of me would be I accomplished my goal for teaching. Being a good teacher is a great honor, but having the ability to touch children's lives is the best gift of all.

Welcome!! :)

Welcome to my blog! This blog is for my Methods for ESOL class. Within this blog you will find my thoughts about specifc topics related to teaching and the methods for teaching english to speakers of other languages. I hope you enjoy reading and learning a little more about this topic!