YOED Reflections

Looking back over this course, I believe that there are many useful things I will be able to use with my students. Although it is always interesting and useful to be taught concepts through reading and discussion, I really enjoy the production of lesson plans, and other tools that will be helpful in the classroom.

The wiki obviously continues to be useful and will be a great tool full of so many resources upon completion. The newcomer brochure, blog entries, group lesson plan, choral reading, writing prompt and anticipatory guide are all examples of useful tools for the classroom.

I will use the information from YOED 6020 directly with my students. I will also take the methods and strategies discussed and keep them in mind when working with ESL students and their families. I will also be able to consider all factors affecting these students and remember that each student has a different background story and that will affect how they learn and progress.

I have had a lot of experience working with and teaching ESL students. However, I am fairly new to the program and I'm not sure how much advice I have to offer! I will say, that I honestly believe that teaching is a rewarding experience, but teaching ESL can be even more rewarding. Make sure that it is something that you find personally fulfilling because if you're not happy with your job, it will directly affect the students. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn about the various cultures that you will come into contact with.

Finally, something I always tell myself : The classes fly by and although they require a lot of work, you'll be making progress before you know it! Sometimes starting is the hardest part :)

Literacy in ESL students

Everyone knows that it is more than important for students to read. It is pounded into our heads, as young children ,to READ! READ! READ! We are told that if you read, you will automatically become smarter. We are told that if you cannot read, you really cannot succeed in this world. We all know it is important.

ESL students are especially encouraged to READ! Being able to read a foreign language, is extremely necessary during second language acquisition. Reading opens the door for advancement in SLA, and also allows for many other activities that will promote an overall improvement in learning English.

Although all literature will help improve literacy, it is helpful for the ESL teacher to pick out reading materials that will really assist in SLA. There are many factors to consider.

Of course, the material should be at an appropriate level for the student. The material should be challenging enough to allow the student to advance, but not so challenging that the student becomes frustrated with the difficulties. The material should allow for extended activities that will promote comprehension, vocabulary, writing and discussions, as well as the ability to draw on personal experiences.

In order to promote literacy in second language learners, the book shouldn't be closed after it is read. The book should be the basis for many activities and learning extensions. The book should also be interesting, and should spark questions and learning in the student. It is also an added bonus if the book touches on multicultural issues or customs. A great teacher has the ability to get his or her students interested in a book, this could be with pre-reading, activities, discussions, or positive reinforcement. Making a unit out of a book is a great way to promote literacy. It is also helpful to reach out to the families of the students to encourage reading at home.

In my own experiences, I have found that reading to promote literacy is a great way for students to excel. I found, while teaching abroad, that many young students enjoyed reading and acting out books while using their imagination. With the older students, it was great to let them chose a book that they were interested in. This way it is something they have chosen to do, instead of just another assignment.

According to Karen Ellis (2010), 73% of 4th grade ELL students scored below basic in reading. That percentage is obviously way to high, and could be changed through proper reading materials, activities, and motivation!

Ellis, K. Educational Cyber Playground. Retrieved from: http://www.edu-cyberpg.com/

Challenging.....but cool !

I never really knew what I wanted to do with my life while I was in college. I changed majors three times. I finally decided on Speech Language Pathology. This decision had a lot to do with the influence of a friend! After graduation, graduate school was next on my career path. I suddenly had this horrible pit in my stomach that told me that really was not the path to take.

So, against a lot of negative opinions of my decision, I decided to take off and go teach English in Tokyo for a year. One of the coolest years I've experienced. At the end of my contract, I realized that I absolutely loved teaching ESL. It was my new career path. I taught English in Mexico and Uganda after Tokyo. I came back to the states and started working at a private language institute teaching ESL. I now know that this is something I would like to do for a very long time, if not the rest of my life. I decided I needed to be really educated in it, although I had had a lot of experience and had taught myself along the way!

Is it a challenging experience? Of course! Is it frustrating? What career isn't? Is it rewarding? There probably aren't that many other careers out there that could be this rewarding! It pushes me and makes me think outside of the box constantly. It also opens my eyes to other cultures and languages. I think I learn just as much from my students as they are learning from me. I hope so, at least. It is a great eye opening, rewarding career. Although it took me a while to figure out that teaching ESL is what I want to do, I'm glad I waited and didn't follow through with something that wasn't really me!