Course Profile   Beginning Communication in English ESL Level 1, Grade 9 open, Catholic

 

Unit 1

 

Course Profiles are professional development materials designed to help teachers implement the new Grade 9 secondary school curriculum.  These materials were created by writing partnerships of school boards and subject associations.  The development of these resources was funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training.  This document reflects the views of the developers and not necessarily those of the ministry.  Permission is given to reproduce these materials for any purpose except profit.  Teachers are also encouraged to amend, revise, edit, cut, paste, and otherwise adapt this material for educational purposes.

 

Any references in this document to particular commercial resources, learning material, equipment, or technology reflect only the opinions of the writers of this sample Course Profile, and do not reflect any official endorsement by the Ministry of Education and Training or by the Partnership of School Boards that supported the production of the document.

 

©Queen’s Printer for Ontario

 

Acknowledgments

 

Lead Board

                Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board

                Denise Panunte, Manager

 

Course Profile Writing Team

                Wendy Gruner, Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board

                Lidija Biro, Father Goetz S.S.

                Charlene Fitzpatrick, Philip Pocock S.S.

                Catherine Johnson, St. Martin S.S.

 

Course Profile Manual

                Laura VanderSmissen, Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board

 

Word Processor/Consultant

                Russell King, Our Lady of Mount Carmel S.S.

 

Ontario Catholic Curriculum Cooperative

 

Institute of Catholic Education

 

Unit # 1

 

Activity 1 | Activity 2 | Activity 3 | Activity 4 | Activity 5 | Activity 6

 

Title:  The School, Community, & Me

 

Time: 20 hours

 

Unit Developers

 

      Wendy Gruner, Dufferin-Peel C.D.S.B.

      Lidija Biro, Fr. Michael Goetz S.S.

      Charlene Fitzpatrick, Philip Pocock S.S.

      Catherine Johnson, St. Martin S.S.

 

Development Date:      April 1999

 

Unit Description

In this unit, students will demonstrate an understanding of basic school routines, the school and community environment, and expectations of the Ontario Catholic educational process.  Using experiential learning and real life situations, students will be introduced to basic language structures (e.g. present tense, present continuous, prepositions, and simple punctuation), and vocabulary of school and community. In the culminating activity, students will review all materials through a creative and collaborative project. This unit supports other units in that it provides the basis for successful transition to life in Canada.

 

Strands & Expectations

 

      Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations: CGE 2a, 3c,e,f, 4a, 5a, 7b

 

      Strands: Oral And Visual Communication; Reading; Writing; Social And Cultural Competence.

 

Overall Expectations: A0RV.01X, .02X ,03X,.04X; AREV.02X, .03X, .04X; AWRV.01X, .02X; ASCV.01X, .02X

 

Specific Expectations: AOR1.01X, 1.02X, 1.03X, 1.05X; AOR2.01X, 2.02X, 2.03X, 2.04X; AOR3.01X, 3.02X,  3.03X, 3.05X, 3.06X; AOR4.01X; ARE1.02X, 1.05X; ARE2.01X, 2.02X, 2.03X, 2.04X; ARE3.01X, 3.03X, 4.04X; ARE4.01X;  AWR1.01X , 1.02X, 1.03X, 1.04X; AWR2.01X, 2.02X, 2.03X, 2.05X, 2.06X, 2.07X, 2.08X 2.09X; ASC1.02X; ASC2.01X, 2.02X, 2.03X, 2.04X, 2.05X, 2.06X, 2.07X, 2.08X

 

Activity Titles (Time + Sequence)

 

Activity 1

Getting To Know You

240 min

Activity 2

Exploring the School

240 min

Activity 3

Following School & Classroom Routines

240 min

Activity 4

Mapping the Community

120  min

Activity 5

There’s Something I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You

180 min

Activity 6

Tying It All Together

180 min

 

Unit Planning Notes

     An assessment of each student’s abilities should be done early in the course, not just to modify classroom activities, but so that problems with misplaced students can be rectified early.

     The teaching of language structures takes its cue from student needs and should be ongoing.

     Due to the fact that ESL courses are continuous intake, accommodations must be made and extra copies of handouts be kept on hand for students who arrive late in the course.

     Use students’ prior experiences as a basis for comparison in discussions. 

     Invest in a core text and picture dictionaries, and require that all students have a bilingual dictionary.

     Prepare a number of picture/flash cards and found materials related to the unit.

     Set up a listening centre within the classroom and, if possible, a computer learning centre.

     Use display boards, newspapers, announcements, and school information bulletins to create a stimulating environment and to highlight student achievement.

     Clearly state the expectations of the Catholic liturgies to newcomers to ensure they understand the procedure. Make allowances and modifications for non-Catholic students.

     Use a video camera to record tours and activities for use in the culminating activity.

     Introduce the students to a number of ongoing routines that will be central to this course. These include:

1.  student learning log and vocabulary list (Will be assessed on an ongoing basis e.g. monthly.)

2.  student journal writing (Will be assessed on an ongoing basis e.g. monthly.)

3.  listening to tapes

4.  homework (Will be assessed on an ongoing basis.)

     Expectations with D are assessed/evaluated.

 

Prior Knowledge Required

     Although most ESLAO students have acquired literacy and numeracy skills in their own country, some will have interrupted or little education. If possible, these students should also be placed in ELDAO. Modifications must be made until a skill base is developed.

 

Teaching/Learning Strategies

Teacher modelling, teacher-directed questions, brainstorming, buddy system, cloze exercises, collaborative/cooperative learning, conferencing, charts and visual organizers, directed reading-thinking activities, field trips, guest speakers, guided reading/guided writing, reading aloud, homework, interviews, journal entries/learning log, note-making, manipulatives, peer practice, peer teaching, prompts, role-playing and simulations, storytelling, think/pair/share

 

Assessment/Evaluation

 

Activity

Type

Tool

Categories

Activity 1

Summative

Formative

Formative

Summative

Summative

Licence to Learn

Word/Sentence Match Group Work

Learning Log

Writing Assignment

Test

Know/Think/App

Know/Think/App/Com

Know/Think/App/Com

Know/Think/App/Com

Know/Think/App

Activity 2

Formative

Anecdotal Record

Know/Think/App/Com

Activity 3

Summative

Summative

Summative

Matching Columns

Vocabulary Test

Expectations Book

Knowledge

Knowledge

Know/Think/App/Com

Activity 4

Diagnostic/Formative

Anecdotal Notes

Know/Think/App/Com

Activity 5

Summative

Formative

Summative

Summative

Activity Assessment

Listening Cloze

Writing Assignment

Test

Know/Think/App/Com

Communication

Know/Think/App/Com

Know/Think/App

Activity 6

Summative/Formative

Media Assignment

Know/Think/App/Com

 

Resources

Print

   Azar, Betty, Basic English Grammar.  N.Y.: Prentice Hall Regents, 1996

   The Basic Oxford Picture Dictionary.  N.Y.: Oxford University Press, 1994

   Berish, Lynda and Thibaudeau Sandra, Canadian Concepts 1 & 2. Toronto: Prentice Hall Regents, 1997

   Grennan, Maggie, Canadian Oxford Picture Dictionary: Beginner-Intermediate. Oxford University  Press, 1997

   Longman Photo Dictionary. N.Y.: Longman, 1989

   Longman Photo Dictionary Beginning  Workbook. N.Y.: Longman, 1989

   Longman Photo Dictionary Pronunciation & Spelling Workbook. N.Y.: Longman, 1989

   Molinsky, Steven and Bliss, Bill, Side By Side 1. Toronto: Prentice Hall Allyn and Bacon, 1997 

   Molinsky, Steven and Bliss, Bill, Side 1 Activity Workbook. Toronto: Prentice Hall Allyn and Bacon,  1997.

   Parnwell, E.C., The New Oxford Picture Dictionary. N.Y.: Oxford University Press

 

Audiotapes

   Canadian Concepts 1 & 2, Prentice Hall

   Longman Photo Dictionary Beginning Workbook, Longman Books

   Longman Photo Dictionary Pronunciation & Spelling Workbook, Longman Books

   Side By Side 1, Prentice Hall

 

Computer Software 

     Azar Grammar CD ROM, Prentice Hall Regents, 1998

 

Videotapes 

   Molinsky, Steven and Bliss, Bill, Side By Side 1. N.Y.: Prentice Hall Regents

   If available, a video which shows the interior and exterior of your school together with activities and programs which are available to students.

 

Models and Manipulatives

   Local maps and transit guides, alphabet poster, flash cards

 

Activity #1

 

Title: Getting To Know You

 

Time: 240 minutes

                       

Description

In this activity, students become familiar with the school and their neighbourhood through Canadian conventions of meeting and greeting.  Simple “what” and “where” questions to elicit basic personal information are introduced, as well as the present continuous, simple present, subject pronouns, and simple contractions. Vocabulary from around the neighbourhood and the classroom is introduced, as are basic writing conventions. In addition, students will begin the process of becoming effective communicators and self-directed, responsible, life-long learners in light of Catholic gospel values.

 

Strands and Expectations

 

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations:

The graduate is expected to:

    present information and ideas clearly and honestly and with sensitivity to others.

    demonstrate a confident and positive sense of self and respect for the dignity and welfare of others.

 

Strands: Oral and Visual Communication, Reading, Writing, Social and Cultural Competence

 

Overall Expectations: AORV.01X, .02X, .03X, .04X; AREV.02X, .03X; AWRV.02X, ASCV.01X, .02X

 

Specific Expectations: AOR1.01X*, 2.02X; ARE1.02X*, 1.05X*; 2.01X*, 2.03X, 2.04X*; 3.01X, 3.03X, 3.04X, AWR1.02X*, 1.03X*, 2.03X*, 2.05X, 2.06X*, 2.07X*, 2.09X*; ASC2.07X*

 

Planning Notes

1.   Prepare a classroom supply of “Licence to Learn” forms using a computer print shop (T/L strategies #1). Have a laminated model or overhead sample based on yourself to show to the class as an example. A Polaroid camera is also needed, as well as basic craft supplies such as markers, glue, scissors, etc.

2.   Display the alphabet and numbers in the class. Arrange groups of alphabet-related objects.

3.   Prepare cloze exercises based on alphabet songs, as well as flash cards.

4.   Prepare group packets of cut-up questions.

5.   Prepare dialogue and role-play models well in advance or use a textbook.

6.   Prepare overheads showing grammatical structures, sample learning log entry, and a model story, as well as pictures (or use textbook).

 

Prior Knowledge Required      

N/A

 

Teaching/Learning Strategies

1.   Mount on the board (or use an overhead) a large “Licence to Learn” based on yourself. A “Licence to Learn” is modelled on a driver’s licence/passport. It includes a photo, personal information, and a flag representing your nationality. Use the “Licence” as a reference point when you introduce yourself to the class with such phrases as: “Hello my name is...”, “I am from...”, “My address is...”, “My telephone number is...” Point to the information on the “Licence” that matches your sentence. It is helpful to have students arranged in a circle. At this point, students practise their own personal statements by asking each other simple questions: “What is your name?”, “Where are you from?”. Reinforce this material with exercises from course texts such as Side By Side 1 and Canadian Concepts 1 & 2. Next, give students their own “Licence to Learn” form to fill out. Students draw a picture of their nation’s flag in the appropriate corner. Using a Polaroid camera, take pictures of each student to mount on the licence. Students hesitant to have their pictures taken may draw a picture or a symbol to represent themselves. Time should be allotted over the next two classes to complete the License.

2.   Using a  large classroom poster or overhead, introduce the Canadian alphabet and Arabic numbers by modelling the sounds first and having students imitate. This can be followed with simple classification activities. For example, pairs of students could be given groups of objects to arrange in alphabetical order. The first pair to organize their objects correctly could win a small prize. Cloze exercises based on children’s alphabet songs are also useful.

3.   Write the titles Mr./Ms./Miss/Mrs./Dr. on the board. Show flash cards and ask students to match the picture with the title. Students then practise simple role plays using teacher or course text provided models.

4.   Distribute a packet of cut-up sentences that, when rearranged correctly, make simple “Where” questions, for example, “Where are you?”, “Where is Bob?”, “Where are Mr. and Mrs. Chen?” Working in small groups, students arrange their selection of questions correctly. Once each group has had its questions checked, ask each member of the group to pronounce one of the group’s questions. Then, show a flash card of a place in the community with the vocabulary word written underneath. Each student then answers his/her own question using the information provided on the flash card. For example, the student may say “Where’s Bob?” and the flash card will show a bank. The student answers “He’s in the bank.” Reinforce with exercises from course texts such as Side By Side 1 and Canadian Concepts 1 & 2, and supporting video and cassette (Listening Centre).

5.   At about this point, introduce students to a learning log. Use an overhead of a sample learning log entry showing a simple class observation record. Explain that the learning log is also where students are expected to keep their personal vocabulary list.

6.   Students match subject pronouns to flash cards or pictures in a text and copy their findings using a simple grid chart.

7.   Introduce students to simple contractions such as I am = I’m, He is = He’s, What is = What’s, etc. Using flash cards or pictures in a text, ask students simple “What” questions such as “What’s he doing?”. Students look at the flash card/picture and reply appropriately using the present continuous. Alternatively, students may be assigned different activities to “mime”. Other students then make sentences using the present continuous to describe the situation being mimed. Next, students ask each other simple “What” and “Where” questions, using models provided by the teacher or course texts. Finally, students complete simple cloze exercises, focussing on the simple present and present continuous that provide a model for a short writing activity based on a picture provided by the teacher. Before assigning the writing exercise, familiarize students with basic writing conventions such as capitals at the beginning of sentences and periods at the end. Students work in small groups to edit a sample piece of writing before tackling the assignment on their own. Guide students through the process of using a simple rubric (Appendix 1-1.1) to judge each other’s first drafts. Students then edit and rewrite their work based on the peer evaluation. Mark the final copy.

8.   After completing this activity, students may also go out into the school community and practise asking simple questions and recording the responses of such people as the principal, the vice-principal(s), the guidance counsellor, the librarian, etc.  A simple checklist is filled out and signed by each individual to verify the student's achievement of this exercise (Appendix 1-1.2).

 

Accommodations/Special Needs

     Pair same language students.  Employ peer teaching.

     Encourage more advanced students to create elaborate learning logs with detailed entries, drawings and charts.

 

Assessment/Evaluation

     Word/Sentence Match Group Work using the Activity Assessment Rubric - Appendix 1-1.4 (Formative: ARE1.02X; AWR1.02X, 2.06X)

     Licence to Learn (Summative: AOR1.01X; ARE2.01X; AWR1.03X)

     Short writing assignment modeled on teacher/textbook samples (Summative: ARE1.05X; AWR1.02X,  2.03X, 2.07X)

     Learning Log (Formative: ARE2.04X, 3.04X; AWR2.09X; ASC2.07X)

     Test (Summative)

 

Resources

     Canadian Concepts 1 Unit 1 pp. 6-7, 9-20; Unit 2 pp. 21-33 and cassette

     Canadian Concepts 2 Unit 1 pp. 1-15; Unit 2 pp. 17-29 and cassette

     Side By Side 1 pp. 2-5, 8-18, 72-76

     Side By Side 1 Activity Workbook 1 pp. 1-26, 61-67 and cassette                

     Side By Side 1 video

     Flash cards

 

 

Activity #2

 

Title: Exploring Your School

 

Time: 240 minutes

 

Description

Through a school tour, students will be introduced to the Catholic school environment, including the staff.  They will become familiar with the roles of key personnel in the building and will be able to identify the principal and vice principal, chaplain, librarian, attendance secretary, guidance staff, and receptionist. They will participate in a learning activity involving student leaders and/or the teacher.  The students will have the opportunity to use opening and closing phrases when introduced. They will learn the vocabulary of the objects in the classroom and begin to make personal dictionaries.

 

Strand and Expectations

 

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations:

 

The graduate is expected to:

    think reflectively and creatively to evaluate situations and solve problems.

    work effectively as an interdependent team member.

    respect the rights, responsibilities and contributions of self and others.

    accept accountability for one’s own actions.

 

Strands: Oral and Visual Communication, Reading, Social and Cultural Competence

 

Overall Expectations: AORV.01X, .02X; AREV.04X; AWRV.01X; .02X; ASCV.02X

 

Specific Expectations: AOR1.01X, 1.02X, 3.01X, 3.02X, 3.03X, 3.05X; ARE1.03X, 2.01X*, 4.01X; AWR1.02X, 1.04X, 2.01X, 2.09X; ASC2.01X*, 2.02X*, 2.05X*, 2.08X*

 

Planning Notes

     Prearrange the training of school ambassadors to conduct the tour.  Choose students who reflect the spirit of the school, speak clearly with good articulation, and have a friendly manner.

     Inform the staff of the time your class will arrive and the number of students to expect.  Planning with the key personnel can include arranging for specific students to be addressed by name with a request for simple information, for example, “Bogena, is this your first day in school?”, “Synthuja, what country are you from?”

     Teacher collects visuals of rooms in the school.  Photo files include pictures of the custodians, the parking lot, the lockers, the gym, and the offices.

     Students begin personal vocabulary lists and reflections as part of the learning log introduced in the previous activity. The log is updated and self-evaluated over the course.

     Bring to class copies of a school floor plan prepared for a missing information activity, with locations around the school to be marked on the plan.

     Provide scissors, glue sticks, class set of dictionaries, overhead of vocabulary with words about the school, timetables, expectations, and activities. Cut up key vocabulary words and provide a set for each student.

     Cue and ready a video about your school.

     Provide a series of props for the mime: eye glasses, jacket, tie, wig, shoes (vary and adjust articles to encourage humour).

     Extension suggestions: invite the school Chaplain as a guest speaker to explain the protocol of liturgies and communion; a class visit to the chapel to welcome the students and to share a prayer, with responses in many languages.

 

Prior Knowledge Required

     Learning log format

 

Teaching/Learning Strategies

1.   Prepare students for the school tour. In a guided question and answer format, brainstorm the parts of the school.  Ask questions and have students share information about their former school(s). Show the video of your school to familiarize students with what they will see on the tour.

2.   Practice greetings and goodbyes from Side by Side or teacher-prepared cue cards.

3.   Introduce the tour guide(s), who may be members of the school council, ambassadors, students doing volunteer hours, and/or peer tutors.  Provide students with a floor plan of the school before touring the building with the trained guide and teacher. Take a video camera and tape students as they tour the school. Use as part of the follow-up of the tour and as material for Activity 7.

4.   After the tour, use a mental-mapping technique such as a flow chart. Have the students start at the classroom and mentally retrace their steps on the tour. Solicit answers from the students to recall parts of the tour and the specific vocabulary related to the school by prompting and asking questions, for example, “From where do you borrow books in the school?”, “Who is the person to call when you are unable to come to school?”, “ From where do you get your timetables?”. Encourage students to take turns and to answer in complete sentences.

5.   Next, students work cooperatively to complete the missing-information assignment. Encourage requests for help, as needed. The students match photos with titles, and place locations with names. They use words such as cafeteria, guidance office, chapel, subjects, timetable. Then, the students complete a guided writing activity to record the experience of the school tour.  (“Today we went on a school tour. Write five places/people you visited/met.”)

6.   After this activity is completed, explain to the students that they are going to play a game in which they guess the occupations of a character. Distribute the game rules. Students prepare a mime activity, “Who am I”, of key people in the school, using props.

7.   Students demonstrate the mime and the rest of the group tries to identify the occupations.

8.   As a final activity, have students use their bilingual dictionaries/picture dictionaries to write names of objects in the room on an index card and to label them.  Form two teams to take turns placing each other’s cards. Keep the scores of the two teams. Leave the cards up for a few weeks for reinforcement and review and then add to a class word bank.

 

Accommodation/Special Needs

     More advanced students could use an oral description instead of mime.

    Make special arrangements for students who may have difficulties. Provide translators (peer helpers)  who will speak in “soft voices”.

 

Assessment and Evaluation

     Observation (Formative): Teacher reflects on the manner in which students completed the missing-information assignment. (ARE1.01X, 1.03X, 1.05X) and enters comments in anecdotal individual profile development logs. These logs should be updated periodically over the entire academic year.  (AOR1.01X; ASC2.08X; ARE2.01X, 2.02X).

 

Resources

     Student ambassadors/senior students, the school chaplain, librarian, and other staff members. 

    Floor plan of the school

    Printed material with information about the school and staff

    Picture file of rooms in the school, can be collected from old yearbooks.

    Students’ own dictionaries/bilingual or English,  The Basic Oxford Picture Dictionary

    Molinsky “Side by Side”.

    Video of your school, if available

    Video camera to film tour of the school

 

 

Activity # 3

 

Title: “Getting it Right” - Following School and Classroom Routines

 

Time: 240 minutes

 

Description

Students will become familiar with appropriate responses to situations they may encounter around school. They will gain an understanding of school expectations while demonstrating respect for the school environment and accountability for their own actions. The Catholic school system’s choice of uniform as a means of promoting safety and social equity will be explored. They will become familiar with clothing vocabulary and with occupations and activities requiring uniforms. Students will use adjectives, simple assertive sentences, and a variety of verbs in the present tense and the imperative.

 

Strands and Expectations

 

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations:

 

The graduate is expected to be one who:

    respects the rights, responsibilities and contributions of self and others.

    accepts accountability for his/her own actions.

 

Strands: Oral and Visual Communication; Reading; Writing; Social and Cultural Competence

 

Overall Expectations: AORV.01X; AREV.02X; AWRV.01X; ASCV.02X

 

Specific Expectations:  AOR2.01X, 2.03X; 3.06X; ARE2.04X; AWR1.01X, 1.02X*, 2.02X, 2.07X*; ASC1.02X, 2.03X*, 2.05X

 

Planning Notes

     Content depends on individual school protocol. Provide sample admit slips.

     Provide paper in two colours for cards, if being prepared in class.

     Make picture dictionaries and school agenda available.

 

Prior Knowledge Required

     Some familiarity with school routine

     Verb “to be” simple and present (Activity #1 and #2)

 

Teaching/Learning Strategies

1.   The class brainstorms situations students may face around school protocol. Create two columns on the blackboard under the headings “Situation” and “Response” showing how your school expects the students to respond if they need to leave the class, are late for school, are attending Mass, must take part in a fire drill, etc. Write situation/response pairs  in simple assertive sentences in the present tense, e,g. Situation: “You are late for school.” Response: “I go to the office and get an admit slip”. Students consult the student agenda and examine samples of slips used by the school. Allow for discussion in first language to clarify.

2.   Students practise the situation/response pairs orally in unison, as modelled by the teacher.

3.   In pairs, students create a set of practice cards from blackboard notes, writing “situation” on one colour of paper and “response” on another (or use teacher created cards).

4.   With brainstorming notes still on the board, students work in pairs. Shuffle cards and create correct situation/response pairings, consulting the board notes only if unable to recall the pairings. Check to see that pairing is correct. Erase board notes and repeat pairing exercise from memory. Consensus must be reached. Check that pairing is correct.

5.   Pairs practise exchanges orally and develop this into a role-playing situation (teacher, principal, attendance secretary, chaplain). Attempt with both cards and then with the situation card only.

6.   Students extend practice of simple present by changing “You are late” to “I am late”. Introduce the imperative form and have students practise the form in the response “Go to the attendance office.”

7.   Students create own “My School Expectations Book”. Encourage creativity and opportunity to extend the activity (list of possible reasons for being late, reasons for quiet listening in chapel, etc.) Students list new words in personal vocabulary.

8.   To follow up, conduct a mock fire drill. Students may also revisit the office, chapel, etc., and practise responses.

9.   With teacher guidance, students review uniform requirements, using student agenda and their own knowledge, and create a vocabulary list identifying different parts of the uniform and choices for civvies days. Copy into vocabulary list in their student log. Introduce adjectives as part of descriptive phrases (green sweater, school kilt, new jeans).

10.  In a guided discussion, create on the board a series of sentences beginning “The uniform is good because...” or “The uniform is  bad because...” Assist students to express their opinions and include the safety factor (“We can tell if a stranger is in the school”) and the equity factor (“Students are all the same”).

11.  Students discuss and list uniforms as they appear in other parts of society (mail carriers, police officers,  nurses, sports teams, etc.) Use the picture dictionary as a resource to expand the list.

12.  Students write a simple journal entry using supplied openings such as “School uniforms are good/bad because...”  or “Many people wear uniforms. Some of them are...”

 

Accommodation/Special Needs  

     Encourage use of first language to clarify situations and responses.

     Allow extra time for practice, where necessary.

     Pair weaker and stronger students for language practice.

     Encourage strong students to expand entries in “My School Expectations Book”.

 

Assessment/Evaluation

     Matching columns -  pairing situations and responses (summative) ASC2.03X

     “Expectations Book” (summative) AWR1.01X

     Vocabulary test (summative) AWR2.07X

 

Resources

     Student agenda

     Oxford Picture Dictionary (or other suitable picture dictionaries)

 

 

Activity #4

 

Title: Mapping the Community

 

Time: 120 minutes

 

Description

Students will explore their immediate communities and acquire mapping skills by using authentic materials such as city and transit maps, telephone and yellow pages books. They will build upon language structures already taught by using imperatives and prepositions of direction and place, and learn related vocabulary. Students will have the opportunity to work collaboratively in pairs and reflect on being a responsible caring family member who attends to family, school, parish, and the wider community.

 

Strands and Expectations

 

Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations:

 

The graduate is expected to:

    examine, evaluate and apply knowledge of interdependent systems (physical, political, ethical, socioeconomic and ecological) for the development of a just and compassionate society.

    work effectively as an interdependent team member.

 


Strands:
Oral and Visual Communication; Reading; Writing; Social and Cultural Competence

 

Overall Expectations: AORV.01X, .02X, .04X; AREV.04X; ASCV.01X, .02X

Specific Expectations: AOR1.01X, 1.03X, 2.01X*, 4.01X; ARE2.01X, 2.02X, 2.03X, 2.04X, 4.01X*; AWR2.07X; ASC2.01X*, 2.05X, 2.06X, 2.08X

 

Planning Notes

     Materials needed for this activity include: map(s) of  local area, town/city; transit map(s); pictorial dictionaries; teacher-prepared “city block” handout.

 

Prior Knowledge Required

N/A

 

Strategies Teaching/Learning

1.   Students brainstorm and discuss what places are important to find when a family moves to a new city (town, community, country).  The teacher or a designated student records the responses on the blackboard.

2.   Students use pictorial dictionaries to gather more vocabulary about the places in their community (The Basic/Canadian Oxford Picture Dictionary, pp. 68-69). Students repeat aloud the vocabulary with teacher guidance.  Students include these words in their vocabulary list.

3.   Using local/transit maps as a resource, students work in pairs locating as many places mentioned in their vocabulary lists as possible. They transfer that information onto a teacher-prepared handout of unlabelled city/neighbourhood blocks by labelling places such as grocery store, post office, medical clinic, cinema, city hall, school, church/mosque/temple, library, bank, bus station, YMCA, etc. 

4.   When their maps are completed, the pairs are asked to prepare oral directions to one of the places on their maps, the school being their starting point. Imperatives, expressions, and prepositions of direction/place are reinforced and practised (Go north two blocks, turn right on Bloor Street, etc). Then, using the students’ maps, each pair gives directions to the rest of the class without telling the students the final destination. If the students follow the directions, they should arrive at the location/place the pair had decided upon (e.g., the post office).

 

Accommodations/Special Needs

     Pair students who speak the same first language or pair more advanced students with less fluent students.

     Provide assistance, scribe for students if needed.

     More advanced students could attempt written as well as oral directions.

 

Assessment/Evaluation

     Observation - Anecdotal Notes (Diagnostic & Formative) AOR2.01X; ARE4.01X; ASC2.01X

 

Resources

     The Basic/Canadian Oxford Picture Dictionary

     Basic English Grammar (Azar) - Chapters 3, 7

 

 

Activity #5

 

Title:  There's Something I've Been Meaning To Tell You

 

Time: 180 minutes

 

Description

Students will expand on their knowledge of the community by learning the vocabulary necessary to make appointments, express their feelings, make simple apologies as well as simple excuses. Students will also learn how to make simple statements about their state of health. Proper forms of politeness in both formal and informal situations will be practised. Students will continue to evaluate and make decisions based on the common good, as well as develop a Christian respect for others. The past tense will be introduced. In addition, do/does questions are practised.

 

Strands and Expectations

 

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations:

The graduate is expected to:

    listen actively and critically to understand and learn in light of gospel values.

    demonstrate a confident and positive sense of self and respect for the dignity and welfare of others.

 

Strands: Oral and Visual Communication; Reading; Writing, Social; and Cultural Competence

 

Overall Expectations: AORV.01X,  .02X, .03X, .04X; AREV.02X, .03X; AWRV.02X; ASCV.02X

 

Specific Expectations: AOR1.01X, 2.03X, 4.01X*; ARE, 1.02X*, 1.05X*, 2.03X, 3.04X*; AWR1.02X*, 2.02X*, 2.03X*, 2.06X*, 2.07X*; 2.08X, ASC1.02X*, 2.05X, 2.08X*

 

Planning Notes

     Select appropriate picture cards and arrange to borrow a life-size human model from a science class.

     Prepare grammatical overheads, visual organizers, and handouts, including homework chart and human body identification.

     Prepare role play/dialogue models or use textbook. Create situation cards for apology exercise.

     Tape short telephone conversations and prepare accompanying cloze exercises.

     Arrange for field trip to health care professional’s office or a visit by the school nurse.

 

Prior Knowledge Required

     Familiarity with simple present and present continuous

 

Teaching/Learning Strategies

1.   Using a  life-size human model or picture cards showing the human body, point to different parts of the body and have students identify. Students then label a handout of the human body.

2.   Students mime a different health ailment or problem (e.g. backache, headache, toothache, cold, flu, sore throat, feeling thirsty, feeling hungry, feeling tired, etc.) Other students guess what’s wrong. Teacher guides brainstorming of possible responses to the question “How do you feel today”. Fill in a visual organizer showing both positive and negative responses. Students then engage in simple role plays, asking each other how they feel and practising the simple present with do/does (e.g. “How do you feel today?”, “How does Mario feel today?”). Students reply appropriately with such responses as “I’m sorry to hear that” or “That’s too bad”.

3.   Follow up the exercise by having small groups brainstorm possible remedies to the problems previously mentioned. Facilitate as needed. Groups report back to the class. Students then practise simple role plays following this model:

      - “I feel terrible.”

      - “What’s wrong?”

      - “I have a/an...” OR “I feel hungry/thirsty/tired/cold/hot”.

      - “I think you should...” (student gives some advice)

4.   Students write an entry in their learning log based on the above.

5.   Play a tape of a sample conversation between a doctor/dentist/pharmacist/nurse/other health care professional and a patient, in which the patient is making an appointment and describing his/her symptoms. Students listen first, then complete a cloze exercise.  Finally, students create their own role plays based on the model given and present to the class.

6.   As a homework activity, students fill out a simple chart with the name, address, and phone number of a doctor, a dentist, and a pharmacist.  If students do not have a family doctor/dentist/pharmacist, instruct them to find one by using the yellow pages.

7.   Reinforce concepts taught with exercises and readings from such course texts as Side By Side 1, Canadian Concepts 2, or Longman Photo Dictionary. Self-created crosswords and word searches are also useful.

8.   Use an overhead to introduce the formation of the past tense. Students ask each other questions such as “Why do you have a headache?”  Answers should be in the past tense: e.g. “I listened to loud music all afternoon.” Make a list of each verb in the past tense as it is used. Then, with a simple grid chart as a guide, students organize the verbs listed into the appropriate “ed” pronunciation: /t/ /d/ /id/.

 

                  /t/

                /d/

                /id/

 

            listened

 

 

      Write irregular verbs that do not fit on this chart on a separate list of irregular verbs that students will begin. Reinforce with exercises from Azar’s Basic English Grammar or Side By Side 1.

9.   Students write short, teacher-guided descriptive paragraphs describing how they feel today and how they felt yesterday.

10.  Ask students in the class such questions as “Why were you late today?”, “Why didn’t you do your homework?”, “Why aren’t you in uniform?”, “Why didn’t you go to mass on Sunday?”, etc. Record their responses on the board. Brainstorm other types of excuses with the class. Underline new verbs introduced that students should add to their list of irregular verbs. Students create their own excuse dialogues based on situation cards provided by the teacher.

11.  Reinforce concepts taught with exercises and readings from a course text such as Side By Side 1.

 

After completing this activity students may also:

 

12.  Visit a doctor's or dentist's office. Or invite a health care individual into the class to answer questions that have arisen, as well as to talk about about career opportunities. This visit should be preceded by a class-drafted letter of invitation, and followed by a class-drafted letter of thanks. If this is not feasible, a visit from the school nurse could be organized.

13.  Seek reconciliation with another by apologizing for a past transgression or by attending confession. This should be documented in the learning log or response journal.

 

Accommodations/Special Needs

     Pair both weaker students with stronger students, as well as same language students, and employ peer teaching.              

     More advanced students may prepare interview questions for a health care professional and document responses received either in written or taped form. Or create a classroom yellow pages listing nearby health care professionals who speak the first languages of other students in the class.

 

Assessment/Evaluation

     Visual organizer using the Activity Assessment Rubric - Appendix 1.1-3 (Summative: ARE1.02X, 3.04X; AWR1.02X, 2.06X)

     Listening Cloze: (Formative: AOR4.01X; ASC2.08X)

     Writing assignment modeled on teacher/textbook samples (Summative: ARE1.05X; .AWR1.02X,  2.03X, 2.07X)

     Test (Summative: ARE3.04X; .AWR2.02X)

 

Resources

     Side By Side 1 pp. 128-131, 139-140.

     Side By Side Activity Workbook 1 pp. 82-84, 88, 112-113 and cassette

     Side By Side 1 video

     Canadian Concepts 2, Unit 5 pp. 73, 76; Unit 7 pp. 93 -107 and cassette

     Longman Photo Dictionary pp. 29-30.

     Longman Photo Dictionary Beginning Workbook pp. 35-37 and cassette

     Longman Photo Dictionary Pronunciation & Spelling Workbook pp. 38 and cassette

     Picture Cards

 

 

Activity #6

 

Title: Tying It All Together

 

Time: 180 minutes

 

Description

In this culminating unit, students will produce a creative piece to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts, language structures, and vocabulary taught in this first unit – The School, Community, Me. Individually or in small groups, they will choose from a range of activities and formats to teach a newcomer about the school and the community and how he/she would fit into it. Students will have the opportunity to choose a format for presentation from media (audio, visual, or both), a written assignment, a poster display, a cartoon, a book format, or one of  their own suggestions. They will draw on journal entries, student logs, language activities, and classroom experiences. They will become familiar with the vocabulary of assignment formats and review basic language structures taught.

 

Strands and Expectations

 

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations:

 

The graduate is expected to be:

    able to think reflectively and creatively to evaluate situations and solve problems.

    a collaborative contributor who works effectively as an interdependent team member.

 

Strands: Oral and Visual Communication; Reading; Writing; Social and Cultural Competence

 

Overall Expectations: AORV.01X; AWRV.01X, .02X; ASCV.01X.

 

Specific Expectations: AOR2.04X, 3.05X*; AWR1.02X*, 2.07X*; ASC2.01X*; 2.02X, 2.05X*; ASC2.08X*

 

Planning Notes:

     Prepare the following items: video camera, (book room for filming), hall passes and permission slips for students to be on an out-of-class activity, markers, large sheets of paper, staplers, glue gun, coloured pencils, and rulers.

     Encourage students to be creative and at the same time gently guide reluctant students to try a new challenge.

     Arrange for peer tutors (senior students from the English program) to edit and assist with computer work, along with the teacher.

     This assignment requires the student to work with classmates and to conduct interviews outside of the classroom. The students will need to arrange to meet. To this end, they may need the teacher’s assistance, signed permission forms from parents, and school forms.

     Design the assignments to include a variety of formats: presentations, performances, exhibitions, formal written assignments, portfolios.

 

Prior Knowledge Required

     This final unit draws on the material covered in Activities 1-6.

 

Teaching/Learning Strategies

1.   Explain to the students that this is the final activity in Unit 1. They will be completing an assignment independently or in groups,  and that have to make a decision as to the format.  Distribute the assignment stating that the purpose is “To Teach a Newcomer About The School”. Explain the requirements, (to do further research, to work cooperatively, to set goal and deadlines, to decided on a format). Possible formats: a video production in many languages of a school tour to welcome a newcomer, a newcomer’s booklet (modification of the school agenda), cartoon with captions, a written tour of the school, a poster display.

2.   Students read the assignment and decide on the format for the exercise, choosing from media production, booklet, poster display, written portfolio. Students exchange ideas and ask questions to clarify concerns

3.   Students generate a list of information on the assignment and draw a plan or outline for the assignments. The outline will vary from student, to student depending on the student’s choice of format. Teacher checks individuals’ plan, timelines, and outline for research for presentation. In this assignment, “Welcoming and Orienting  a Newcomer”, the students may edit and use parts of the video created by the teacher during the the unit. The teacher intervenes as needed, making suggestions and helping with the pairing of students.

4.   The plan is checked by the teacher and the first draft follows.

5.   The teacher facilitates once the student is ready to implement taping, layouts, and typing .

6.   Teacher arranges for students to work in different locations on specific activities as needed.   Although class time will be allocated, the students will need assistance in arranging to meet with others to complete the assignment out of class.

7.   Peer editors and the teacher are available and respond as needed.

8.   Students have their work peer-edited and then checked by the teacher.

9.   Presentations and sharing of activities.

 

Accommodations/ Special Needs:

     Be flexible with students who may need a longer timeline.

 

Assessment/Evaluation

     Welcoming and Orienting a Newcomer Project (Summative/Formative) Evaluation depends on the choice of format.  (AWR1.02X; ASC2.01X.)

 

Resources

     Peer tutors, school staff (interviews)

     Students’ notebooks

     Samples booklets and school videos

 

Appendix 1-1.1

PEER WRITING ASSESSMENT RUBRIC

 

 

1:  Poor

2:  Fair

3:  Good

4:  Very Good

On topic, with many supporting points.

 

 

 

 

Well organized. Ideas follow each other logically and follow the model.

 

 

 

 

Sentences are interesting.

 

 

 

 

Verb tenses are correct.

 

 

 

 

Correct punctuation is used: capitals, periods, commas, apostrophes.

 

 

 

 

Spelling is correct.

 

 

 

 

Writing is neat and easy to read.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix 1-1.2

MEETING & GREETING ACTIVITY

 

In the space below, write 5 questions to ask the principal, vice-principal, guidance counsellor, librarian, and a teacher, e.g., How are you today?  Have your ESL teacher check these questions before you continue.

 

1. ________________________________________________________________________

 

2. ________________________________________________________________________

 

3. ________________________________________________________________________

 

4. ________________________________________________________________________

 

5. ________________________________________________________________________

 

You must now ask each of these people your five questions. Record their responses in the space provided.

NOTE: Each person must initial that you asked him/her the five questions.

To question #1 the principal said:

 

 

 

Initial:                  

To question 2 the principal said:

 

To question 3 the principal said:

 

To question 4 the principal said:

 

To question 5 the principal said:

 

To question 1 the vice-principal said:

 

 

 

Initial:                  

To question 2 the vice-principal said:

 

To question 3 the vice-principal said:

 

To question 4 the vice-principal said:

 

To question 5 the vice-principal said:

 

 

 

 

To question 1 the counsellor said:

 

 

 

Initial:                  

To question 2 the counsellor said:

 

To question 3 the counsellor said:

 

To question 4 the counsellor said:

 

 

 

To question 5 the counsellor said:

 

 

 

 

To question 1 the librarian said:

 

 

 

Initial:                  

To question 2 the librarian said:

To question 3 the librarian said:

To question 4 the librarian said:

 

To question 5 the librarian said:

 

 

 

 

To question 1 the teacher said:

 

 

 

Initial:                  

To question 2 the teacher said:

 

To question 3 the teacher said:

 

To question 4 the teacher said:

 

 

To question 5 the teacher  said:

 

 

Appendix 1-1.3

ACTIVITY ASSESSMENT RUBRIC

 

Level 1:

below expectations

Level 2:

approaching

expectations

Level 3:

meeting

expectations

Level 4:

above

expectations

Demonstrates knowledge of vocabulary

 

 

 

 

Shows understanding of concepts

 

 

 

 

Employs learning strategies

 

 

 

 

Critical thinking skills

 

 

 

 

Research skills

 

 

 

 

Reading skills

 

 

 

 

Oral skills (accuracy, fluency)

 

 

 

 

Writing skills

 

 

 

 

Use of language and literacy skills in new contexts

 

 

 

 

 

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