May / June 2012

"End-of-the-Year-Poem"

by:  Lois T. Gumataotao

ESL Teacher/Coordinator

To the Parents:

I am glad to have been your child’s teachers

And now the year has come to an end

It’s time to say  “Adios”

And together we all are friends.

I’ve watched your children learn and grow

And change throughout the 180 days

I hope that everything I have done

Have helped your child in various ways.

So with happy memories, pride, and belief

                 I send them out LBJ’s door

With great hope and expectations

For what next year holds in store!

          

To the Students:

I am glad to have been your teacher

You’ve learned so much and worked so hard

Now another door will open next year

But don’t forget you make me very proud.

I’ve come to nurture and love you so

The year now ends and we must part

Always remember to strive for success

And that you will always be in my heart.

So from me, Ms. Lois Gumataotao

I thank you for making the grade here

So have a safe and wonderful summer

And remember to visit me next year!

April 2012

"Some Teaching Techniques Teachers Use to Teach the English Language Learners"

by:  Lois T. Gumataotao

ESL Teacher/Coordinator 

  In last month’s article, you read about how the ELs (English Learners ) learn.  This month as promised, you will learn just some of the teaching following techniques, methods, and approaches that have been found to be effective in language teaching.  They are:

Ø      TPR (Total Physical Response): This is a technique that uses a sequence of model commands.  For example, the teacher instructs the students to touch something of a specific color, or play Simon Says, or physically respond to a command.  ELs find TPR relaxing and enjoyable because all of the language introduced is visual and contextual, and they are not forced to speak until they are ready.

Ø      Cooperative Learning:  This involves students working in groups towards common learning objectives.  It includes peer tutoring, whereby group members coach each other; jigsaw methods, in which each member of a group is responsible for a portion of a text; and cooperative projects, written papers, oral presentations, and artwork.

Ø      LEA (Language Experience Approach): This allows students to develop reading and writing skills by drawing upon their current knowledge of English using a given theme with which they are familiar.  Students and teachers work together to create language and compose texts that provide meaningful reading practice. 

Ø      SIOP (Sheltered Instruction observation Protocol) Model:  This model provides concrete examples of the features of sheltered instruction that can expand teachers’ lesson plans.

Ø      Computer-Assisted Language Learning:  Since most ELs are computer literate, the use of technology allows students to work at their own pace, communicate effectively, and learn in the content areas.

No single technique works for all teachers, for all students, or under all circumstances,.  Therefore, teachers are aware to provide a variety of strategies to meet the needs of the ELs in the classroom.

March 2012

"How Do English Language Learners Learn?"

by:  Lois T. Gumataotao 

ESL Teacher/Coordinator 

 

At this time of the year, it is quite evident that there is great progress of the ESL students in all four domains (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening).  So how do the English Learners learn?  The following are only some ways ESL students learn:

Ø      The ESL students learn language best when they are treated as individuals with their own needs and interests. 

Ø      ESL students learn best when their needs, backgrounds, perspectives and interests are reflected in the learning program.

Ø      ESL students learn language best when they are provided with

         opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities. 

Ø      ESL students learn best when learning reflects the way things are currently done in the community

Ø      ESL students learn best when they are challenged and supported to develop and apply their thinking

Ø      ESL students learn language best when they are provided with appropriate feedback about their progress.

Ø      ESL students learn best when the learning environment promotes independence, cooperation and self-motivation.

I hope the above principles provided you some understanding on how English Learners Learn.  I then invite you back to April’s issue in the Trumpeteer to read about the teaching strategies for ESL students.

February 2012

  "Showing Appreciation in February"

                                                                 Lois T. Gumataotao

ESL Teacher/Coordinator  

February is a wonderful opportunity to show appreciation for people we love.  Valentine’s Day is on February 14.  For many children, Valentine's Day first becomes important in kindergarten. Some teachers encourage kids to make and decorate Valentine cards for mom, dad or other family members.  Sometimes, this event is used as a way of teaching children about sending and receiving mail.

The whole month of February should be celebrated as a "love month" where each member of the family makes a point of doing kind and loving things for others instead of just focusing on one day.  Talk to your child and discuss the many ways they can show kindness.  Making a project with the whole family increases reading, encourages writing, improves listening and develops oral language.

Encourage acts of kindness within the family. Valentine's month is an excellent time to renew loving relationships in the home, so be sure to make a point of doing fun and thoughtful things for other family members.