Good news, everyone!!! If math & science teacher extraordinaire Kelly Leguizamon taught us anything this last episode, it is that we can use some VERY recognizable, one-minute-prep, exercises in our content classes that double for native speakers (read: not dumbed down) to increase content knowledge. That's right: the whole class is picking up what you're laying down.
I gotta tell ya, this was a HUGE relief to me. My biggest fear about approaching content teachers was the push back of "Ain't got time" and "Isn't that your job?" How about this encouragement: these are things you're already doing, there's only one tweak that won't take up much time, but it'll assure you're reaching that ESL kid in the back. This is why I love QSSSR, the process we discussed in the episode. (This description is straight from smore.com.
Q = An engaging, open ended question that will spark conversation S = Students are provided with a signal which shows the teacher which students are ready to share (wait for 100%) S = Stems are provided for all learners, teaches students to speak in complete sentences S= Students share with a partner or with their groups their thoughts A = Assess students either by a cold call, call for volunteers, or have students write out a response
QSSSR is an amazing (visual? explanation?) that helps content teachers see just how much THOUGHT goes into "I ask you a question & you answer it." So whichever of those handy dandy exercises Kelly Leguizamon throws at you (https://www.shelteredlanguageresources.com/), you can suggest those strategies with QSSSR in mind.
Remember Jody Nolf, who started filming content teachers using her strategies? You can see them in action below, along with a few other goodies straight from this fancy unicorn.
Thank you to all my subscribers, you guys ENCOURAGE me so much!!!
And if you haven't gotten a chance to see the All Things ESL Facebook Business Group, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the ESL Trivia section--"digging those sweet facts," or "thanks but no thanks?" Please write to me and let me know your thoughts!
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