Sunday, July 12, 2009
Welcome Back Veronica
West Valley was lucky enough to get Veronica Montes, former head of AWEC at WVOC, and former principal of Garfield CAS, as our new Principal. She brings a lot of experience with her. We all look forward to working with you, Veronica. Best of luck as we go forward, Paula
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Teaching ESL
Teaching English as a Second Language is learning English all over again, from a different point of view. How to reach students? Get into their heads to see what they really understand? I notice different things every night. As students get more comfortable in class, laugh more, make more friends, their relationship with the language changes as well. Students generally group themselves by language, country or culture, but not always. There was the Israeli student, lively and beautiful, who made friends with all the young guys from El Salvador. She spoke some Spanish; they always managed to communicate. She lit up the class with her presence and created a lot of positive energy in the room. There was an older woman who was eccentric in her way, full of personality and life. She also brought so much to the class. I think of the many students I have known through the years and wonder where they are now. Did they continue with their studies? Get married? Have children? Get new jobs? ESL is a gateway through which many new Americans pass. The experience we give them can be one more productive, positive, even elevating use of their time as they work on building a life in a new country. West Valley Occupational Center is a good place to have that experience.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Voices in a New World
I believe in my students and I treat them as if they have already achieved their goals. I am their cheerleader, advocate, mentor, consultant and the person that writes the new grammar concepts on the board.
But I find that they come to school for so much more. They come to be nurtured, validated and to learn to believe in themselves. They want to learn, they want to see their friends and they want a teacher who, they believe, understands them.
They are in a new country, with a new culture, and they have lost their voice. With me, I hope, they have the experience of regaining it. How do we show who we are? Through our words! If you don't have the words, how do you make yourself known? How do you connect to the larger culture around you? Learning to speak is learning to exist in a new world. I strive to be a worthy guide.
But I find that they come to school for so much more. They come to be nurtured, validated and to learn to believe in themselves. They want to learn, they want to see their friends and they want a teacher who, they believe, understands them.
They are in a new country, with a new culture, and they have lost their voice. With me, I hope, they have the experience of regaining it. How do we show who we are? Through our words! If you don't have the words, how do you make yourself known? How do you connect to the larger culture around you? Learning to speak is learning to exist in a new world. I strive to be a worthy guide.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Sunday, November 23, 2008
S.K.I.L.L.S.
S.K.I.L.L.S. is an acronym for a very long six word mission statement of the school. Boiled down, the school wants to create good communicators, dependable workers and responsible citizens. I teach ESL 2 where the words of the S.K.I.L.L.S. bookmark go beyond the comprehension of the beginning-high English student.
So, I made up a S.K.I.L.L.S. bulletin board (TM), using symbols to convey and teach S.K.I.L.L.S. to my students:
A pair of red lips over which is the word "talk"
A hammer and the word "work"
Two hands shaking above the words, "do the right thing"
My students understand the value of lifelong learning. They come four nights a week, most after working all day, sacrificing family and relaxation time, in order to learn English, better themselves and their lives. Kudos to these brave and diligent students who work for the goals of S.K.I.L.L.S.
So, I made up a S.K.I.L.L.S. bulletin board (TM), using symbols to convey and teach S.K.I.L.L.S. to my students:
A pair of red lips over which is the word "talk"
A hammer and the word "work"
Two hands shaking above the words, "do the right thing"
My students understand the value of lifelong learning. They come four nights a week, most after working all day, sacrificing family and relaxation time, in order to learn English, better themselves and their lives. Kudos to these brave and diligent students who work for the goals of S.K.I.L.L.S.
Jump Right In
The water is fine at WVOC! There is so much going on, I have gotten behind in blogging about it! Last week the school particpated in a blood drive with the Red Cross. The week before that, there was a fair put on by Automotive and some of the vocational classes. West Valley walks its talk -- get involved, contribute, make a difference. Also, Kudos to Susan Holtz for her October Bakery sale!
Giving
In the spirit of Thanksgiving and community involvement, last week West Valley held a food drive for SOVA, a food bank which provides free food to those who need it. In my class, some students bough in food and others contributed money. We collected $65.00! Two generous helpers then went to the market and picked up the food. Room 20, ESL 2 contributed 3 cartons and 2 carton tops of food. We wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, and an abundant one! mrs.v.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
