All Blog Posts (33)

Dear colleagues,

I'd like to introduce myself to the group.  I create and run MakeBeliefsComix.com, a free site where users can create their own comic strips online and print and email them.   It provides a fun way for students -- young and old -- to improve their writing, reading and storytelling skills.  The site offers 80 fun characters to choose from, blank talk and thought balloons to fill in with text, story prompts, printables and a writer's blog to help users express…

I have found that ELLs (particularly the pre-emergent) respond to new vocabulary best when given a chance to compare words in their own language to the equivalent in the English Language. For instance, I introduce the word "friend" to my Somalian and Spanish-Speaking students, by asking them to show or tell me the word for friend in their own language. I begin by showing an image of friendship , and the word "friend". I explain that this is the word for a person…

It is not to late to voice your opinion on the Common Core State Standards. These Core Standards are tied to the Race to the Top funds. For states who are competing for this grant money, if they are chosen, they will adopt these standards for math and ELA. Now is your chance to look them over and participate in the public comment. In this case, "silence is not golden"! Be an advocate in supporting what is best for your ELLs since they will have to meet the same standards.

Here…

Use St. Patricks's Day to give your English language learners an opportunity to use idiomatic language in English in Grades 3-12. This unit gives students an occasion to extend their communicative

competence in informal settings. It provides them with experience in learning and using language "chunks" and negotiating meaning with native speakers. Students also have the chance to present their work to the mainstream peers and…