We are Lauren and Kelly, two educators chronicling our projects and efforts as we pursue teaching certification in English as a Second Language. This blog was created to document our efforts as we design and implement a reading program at a local community organization. Here we will discuss and share our strategies, ideas, challenges, and results of this program.
We became involved at this community organization in early April of 2011, when we were looking for a site to complete assignments for our courses, working with English Language Learners (ELL). This organization helps refugee and immigrant families with transitioning into new lives, and provides services ranging from English classes to assisting families in securing housing and jobs. We work with younger students from primarily four of the cities high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools.
There are currently two programs for ELL students running at this site. There is an after-school program once per week for middle and high school students, where they can receive extra help with school work, and additional instruction in smaller settings. Now that school is out for the summer, this program focuses on reviewing skills such a reading, writing, vocabulary, math concepts, and more.
The second program is a Summer Story Hour that we designed and implemented for younger learners, between the ages of 5-9. This program is designed to focus on building reading and writing skills through highly scaffolded, small group activities. Additionally, the theme of this program is Community, and all of the literature we've chosen and lessons we've created focus around this theme.
About Us
We became involved at this community organization in early April of 2011, when we were looking for a site to complete assignments for our courses, working with English Language Learners (ELL). This organization helps refugee and immigrant families with transitioning into new lives, and provides services ranging from English classes to assisting families in securing housing and jobs. We work with younger students from primarily four of the cities high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools.
There are currently two programs for ELL students running at this site. There is an after-school program once per week for middle and high school students, where they can receive extra help with school work, and additional instruction in smaller settings. Now that school is out for the summer, this program focuses on reviewing skills such a reading, writing, vocabulary, math concepts, and more.
The second program is a Summer Story Hour that we designed and implemented for younger learners, between the ages of 5-9. This program is designed to focus on building reading and writing skills through highly scaffolded, small group activities. Additionally, the theme of this program is Community, and all of the literature we've chosen and lessons we've created focus around this theme.
About Us
Kelly is an English Language Learners Instructor at a high school in Manchester, NH. She graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Masters of Education, and is certified in Secondary School English. She is currently pursuing certification in teaching English as a second language, as well. She believes that all learners are unique and require differentiated instruction no matter their perceived exceptionalities or normalcies.
Lauren is a Graduate Student at the University of New Hampshire. She is working towards a Master of Arts in Teaching degree with certifications in English and English as a Second Language. Her passion is working with younger English Language Learners, teaching reading and writing.
