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)