Spring is Here!

We are now in the midst of Spring Semester. We are studying Food this week and learning all about Thanksgiving. We are using Downtown 2 textbook and workbook, and the Heinle Picture Dictionary.

We had a special treat last week when we used technology in the classroom. Students called each other on their cell phones and spoke to each other across the room! Everyone had to use their listening and speaking abilities and the students had a good time while improving their communication skills.

End of Semester

We are coming to the end of the Fall 2010 semester. I would like to thank all my ESL 2 and CBET/ESL/Computer students for a fun and productive semester.

Spring 2011 will begin on Monday, February 14, 2011.

ESL Going Strong

Despite budget cuts, ESL is going strong. We are seeing students committed to learning English, getting jobs, getting a piece of the American Dream. Many obstacles to overcome. But students live in the moment, working, having fun with their families, raising their children. Helping each other. And they will continue to grow, because their intentions have planted within them the knowledge that where they are going is better than from whence they have come. And we are going to help them.

Welcome Back Students!

It's Fall Semester! Time to start studying again and devoting some time and energy to English! Some tips to get started:

* Always come to class prepared
* Bring a pencil, notebook, highlighter and your book(s)
* Bring a bilingual dictionary to class
* Have something to eat before you come to class -- it will help your concentration!
* Turn your cell phone off or to vibrate
* Participate as much as possible -- ask questions, write on the board, volunteer to read or give the answers to exercises
* Let the teacher know if you will be absent for more than a week, or if you can only come certain nights of the week
* Make friends with your classmates, it will make class more fun
* If you miss some nights, do the pages on your own so that you keep up with the class

and finally:

* Make some goals for yourself regarding your English learning, and stick to them!

I wish you all a wonderful school year! Mrs. Verbit

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.

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.

First Day of School

Today is the first day of school. I am thinking about my new students, thinking that my intention is that they have a great school year, that they have the time to study and the motivation to do so. And so it begins again...

Back to School

Welcome Back! This is going to be a great school year! My intention is for my students to develop a new enthusiasm in studying English, a new pride in themselves and a new level of motivation to get there.

As most teachers of traditional year (September - June) schools, I have been busy preparing for the new school year. I have been researching new games, techniques and technologies to inspire and captivate students. I want this year to be fun and productive for all my students!

See you in class!