ESL TIPS Worksheet

The Situation: ACE provides a curriculum designed for native speakers but we are using it in an ESL (English as a Second Language) setting.

 Possible consequences:

• Memorization rather than real learning

• Hard to get students on their level - Graduation behind schedule

• Frustration for staff – high demands on time

 Solution: Provide support structures and systems to maximize students’ learning experience 

LIKE WHAT?

1. Teach and emphasize phonetic reading: 

   1. ABC’s,

   2. Phonics Review PACE,

   3. Flash cards and song CD,

    

2. Personalized Vocabulary learning using My Own Dictionary or vocabulary notebook

3. Translate in PACEs as needed. 

   1. The ultimate goal is not (usually) that the students be good translators rather that they learn to be fluent in English.  (problem of semi-lingualism)

   2. Teaching strips in all subjects and the text in SC/SS should have key words translated above – do some random checks to ensure comprehension of texts and vocabulary.

   3. Make good use of vocabulary pages – read aloud, memorize & translate as needed

4. Guard against memorization of answers by correct questioning at checkups and self tests (Reverse the sentence order, ask comprehension questions, etc.)

5. Use the ESL videos and workbook with older students.

6. Young children should begin with Speaking English with ACE & Christi.

7. To get older ESL students up to their level:

   1. Permit them to do last checkup and ST on the same day.

   2. Rediagnose after a few months

   3. Encourage challenge testing  – especially in maths

   4. Prepare quarterly academic requirements for individualized Honor Roll

   5. Jump a level in SS/SC each quarter or semester??????

   6. Ask parents to enroll children ion a language school/hire a tutor if they are far behind

8. Know parental goals and expectations so you can plan and communicate accordingly. BE HONEST and REALISTIC with probable graduation dates.

9. Provide extension activities to bring PACE vocabulary and learning into other areas:

   1. Communication Skills class: SS/SC reports, oral summaries “on the spot”, have students teach a class on the subject.

   2. Have a Practical Math/Science mini-class (Discovery)

   3. Use English only in the LC

   4. Ask older students to serve as translators during opening exercises etc.

   5. Oral expression practice with PACEs or character trait poems, etc.

   6. Oral story telling circles using vocabulary words (WB & SC/SS)

   7. Written expression projects based on vocabulary or concepts from PACEs

   8. Dramatize SS/SC stories

   9. Bible Memory

10. National Student Convention

    1. High standard

    2. Student usually has some internal motivation

    3. Oblige them to do certain events

    4. Regular PACE bowl in school

11. Other ESL Strategies

    1. Use songs in English

    2. Read aloud to the class (5 min each day…)

    3. Promote reading for fun and home reading as well as/apart from literature.

    4. Provide English language stimulation – decoration, games (Boggle, Scrabble, etc.) videos, computer programs, etc.

    5. Clubs – debate, puppets, drama, speech, music, etc.

    6. Reward English usage each week (certificate/trophy, blessing slip, award, etc)

                                                               i.      Least Chinese usage

                                                              ii.      Best vocabulary or usage of English

7. Run a basic translation class. (Require at least 2 written and 2 oral translations)

12. Other ideas ( James 1:5) You may add your own ideas here!

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