This is the first week of my last semester before retirement. This semester I have access to the pro version of NEWSELA. Many people are doubtful whether NEWSELA is useful at as low a level as I have. However, I am a proponent of extensive reading. I am very tired of reading the terrible readings in my text book. I want our reading to be relevant and interesting. I will start by printing out the readings and teaching students how to read using highlighters, and how to wade through vocabulary. After I feel that they have some techniques down, I will get them their NEWSELA accounts and see if they use them. I plan on giving them extra points for ever article they complete.
Here is how I plan on starting. I have the article on Hurricane Harvey which is at a second grade level. It is attached here. Before Reading 1) Ask students if they have any experiences with Hurricanes. Research with the class what the difference is between a typhoon and a hurricane. Have students talk about their experiences with the class. Try to elicit some key words. There may be a lot of native speak at this time but that is ok. What we are looking for is a shared experience to bond the class. 2) Handout the vocabulary sheet. Located here.
We will be using a Read Aloud to cover this first reading. We will start with the picture and try to make a few sentences about what they see in the picture. We will make note of the method of travel and relate it to some of the vocabulary for other possible methods of travel. 1)I will read it with the students and explain in English any difficulties in understanding. I will define the vocabulary in English and have the students write down the English definition in column 3 of the vocabulary worksheet. 2)I will then have them read it in small groups. 3)I will then have them read it individually. I will ask questions for comprehension for each process. Post Reading We will take the quiz together and I will students locate where the answer for each question is. I will teach them the following sentence frame. The answer is on line ____________. I will ask students to take the reading home and reread it again. We will stay on this topic with another reading from NEWSELA (next week if we have time)
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Susan Gaer
A veteran teacher tackling the lowest levels of ESL instruction. Archives
August 2017
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