Bell Network: Language Acquisition

In the Time of the Butterflies

National Day

NYSTESOL Conference

What's the Password?

Try this little trick: Have students read and say a high frequency, decodable or new vocabulary word before they can enter the room. By posting a password near the door, students are revving up their brains before they even reach their seats!

Thanks Stephanie for the great idea!

Karen New Year

Help Me! Signs

One of the first things ESL teachers need to give new students is survival phrases in English. A great strategy is to use Help Me! Signs. These little signs serve as signals that new students can wave to show the teacher when they are not understanding something. They are great for whole group instruction -- I've used them during read-alouds to post-it note pages that need to be re-explained. Give 'em a try!

All you need is index cards, large straws, tape, and a marker.

Write the phrases you want your children to know on the cards. Pre-teaching all of this vocabulary is the vital step! These sayings will help them later on learning more English or other languages and content vocabulary.

                

Flip the cards over and tape the straws to the back of them....

And they're ready to use! Enjoy :)

                         

Some of my cuties on pajama day!