You Can't Say You Can't Play

In my search for relevant resources and information I ran across this snippet from Thia American Life. I really enjoy it because it makes the case for being direct with whatever you want to teach- in this case including anyone and everyone in play.

Check it out-  HERE

Welcome to a Prezi!

Here's a fun technology to become acquainted with if you're tired of having your kids create PowerPoints or posters.

I created one in 10 minutes that gives you a little insight to my professional background, check it out here:

My History

Hit the arrows on the bottom to guide you through.

Why I love it:

• really easy to learn- don't give up!
• has a 1 minute teaching demo
• you can search many topics and see some great Prezis already created
• Fun and engaging!

Dancing!

I attended the MABE conference in Dearborn, MI this past week. I found a lot of useful tools and can't wait to pass them along. But this jewel from YouTube, highlighted by keynote speaker Rushton Hurley made me smile so much I needed to pass it along!

What a great sample of world cultures and the simple ways we can connect across continents. Take a look at his site www.NextVista.org, it's full of great videos and inspiration. Have fun!

Total Physical Response 101

If you enjoy getting your kids up and moving, you'll love using TPR. This is an introduction to the research behind the method by James J. Asher. Aside from it feeling fairly dated, it shows fun ways to engage students in a non-verbal way.

Welcome Back!

I hope you all had a restful and recharging holiday season. I also hope your kids came back happy and ready to learn :)

The start of the new year is a good time to review how we as teachers and coordinators can welcome our new ELL students into our classrooms and into our schools. We're likely to recieve new students periodically and it can be a challenge for you as the teacher and the student who comes in halfway through the year. Imagine that scenario for a newcomer to the country. It is our goal and our mission to allow newcomers to feel safe and comfortable in their new environment.

Here are two great video clips that demonstrate the need for teachers to connect to their students and tips on how to make that transition as easy as possible for the student.

Welcoming Newcomers

Want more tips to pass along to your teachers of ELL students?
http://www.colorincolorado.org/educators/reachingout/welcoming/

http://www.everythingesl.net/inservices/cultureshock.php

http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/38575/

http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/33042/

Immersion

A fellow ELL coordinator referred this short film to us here at the Service Center. Many of our teachers find this is a reality during standardarized testing, I know I did. I always felt especially bad when covering all our classroom work during testing.

Perhaps not the most uplifting new years post, but a reality nonetheless.