This chat is moderated by Grapevine-Colleyville ISD educators where we discuss current education trends and deepen our learning. 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 8:30 PM CST September to May @msbearce @SBarkerEDU
Hey there #gcisdchat! I'm Jack Leonard, an instructional coach moderating with Cynthia Rial Graham, a World Languages Instructional Coach! Tonight we would love to read your fabulous tweets about Language Learning and how we help our children acquire a second language!
A1 it’s so important that our Ss feel safe in our classrooms before they can begin taking risks ... which is what learning a second language is all about! #gcisdchat
#gcisdchat
A1: I like to combine in small groups of two or sometimes four, intentionally having monolingual and bilingual students. They love to take the lead and be the teachers for their partners!
A1: Like so many other things, it starts with relationships! Building relationships between the T and student along with relationships between students is so important for students to feel safe taking risks! #gcisdchat
A1: The safety can come by building a classroom culture of respect and love from all kids. The expectations that are set. The connecting to the heart first and foremost. #gcisdchat
A1: providing a safe and caring environment. Acknowledging that the silent phase is normal and part of the process and not making them feel guilty for not trying. We have to reach them before we can teach them! #gcisdchat
Q2: I always reached out to anyone with knowledge of my student's primary language, especially to help me communicate with parents. Once it was the music teacher who played the song Frère Jacques for a new student who only spoke French. #gcisdchat
#gcisdchat
A1: In here we can see a beautiful example of how we use Art, Foreign Language and Circle Up techniques as students feel more and more comfortable with each other in their primary and secondary language.
A2: I absolutely have relied on the coaches this year! @SraLioy has been incredibly helpful. Having @RialGraham come out has been great! @swilliamsedu and @JessicaHHeaton have supported so much! I feel the love from coaches!! #gcisdchat
Our dual teachers plan together so when they switch off subjects every week they can help students make connections from one language to the other #gcisdchat
A2 Use your running records, anecdotal notes, informal assessments, cornerstone tasks, conference documentation, etc. just as you would with your other students. Consider what supports you will use as you plan. #gcisdchat
#gcisdchat
A1: In here we can see a beautiful example of how we use Art, Foreign Language and Circle Up techniques as students feel more and more comfortable with each other in their primary and secondary language.
A1- I like to make my little feel comfortable by first connecting lessons that they are not understanding due to language, to their background. I get to know my students first and then try to make that connection first with something they will be familiar with #gcisdchat
A2: May seem less personal, but I use the ELPS and TELPAS descriptors to know what is expected at each stage of lang. development. It is definitely different in middle school to spot as quickly as they try not to stand out. #gcisdchat
A2: May seem less personal, but I use the ELPS and TELPAS descriptors to know what is expected at each stage of lang. development. It is definitely different in middle school to spot as quickly as they try not to stand out. #gcisdchat
#gcisdchat
A3: Websites and best of all the support of my bilingual colleagues through PLC’s, professional development and monthly meetings. I still stay in touch with former colleagues which had been instrumental to my growth as a bilingual educator.
A2- when I plan for my students I make sure I am using a lot of hand gestures to transmit the message. I also use as many props or realia as I can. # TESLeads #gcisdchat
A3: My go to website for English and Spanish learners is https://t.co/EWE9QZV7n1
It's a great site for language learners; they can see multiple definitions, conjugations, etc. #gcisdchat
A2- as I stated earlier, it is very important for me to plan by activating their background knowledge, so I keep this in mind when planning, choosing books, or speaking to them.#TESLeads#gcisdchat
A3 You, @RialGraham because you want the BEST for all students, including our ELLs. You connect us with the resources we need to meet our Ss needs!! #gcisdchat
A3: It is a bit hard for me to turn to technology for second language support when they are so young, and especially when I am their first second language experience. I would be using more digital read alouds while at stations with detailed illustrations. :) #TESleads.#gcisdchat
A2- when I plan for my students I make sure I am using a lot of hand gestures to transmit the message. I also use as many props or realia as I can. # TESLeads #gcisdchat
A4
One of the best learning tools is a buddy! First graders seem to pick up so much from their peers. They enjoy building relationships and having something in common. #gcisdchat
A4 use gestures, concrete objects, and rely on shared experiences to introduce new content. These strategies are effective for all Ss and once you try them for awhile they become part of your bones. #gcisdchat
Q4: Partner and group work helps students have the chance to practice English with their peers, even when they're not comfortable speaking with the teacher or in front of the class. #gcisdchat
Our dual teachers plan together so when they switch off subjects every week they can help students make connections from one language to the other #gcisdchat
A4: I like to pre teach vocabulary. I tend to make up songs for the smallest things. I then take the vocab to an anchor chart WITH a picture. Bright and Colorful is also key as well as enthusiasm in my voice when teaching it. :) Gets them engaged! #gcisdchat
A4: I like to pre teach vocabulary. I tend to make up songs for the smallest things. I then take the vocab to an anchor chart WITH a picture. Bright and Colorful is also key as well as enthusiasm in my voice when teaching it. :) Gets them engaged! #gcisdchat
A5: Adding in structured thought time! Think-pair-share, give one-get one, table talk, 10-2-2. Giving students time to think and talk through what they’ve heard before sharing out with the class! #gcisdchat
A4: sentence stems is also something my littles rely on so much! Once they gather a bit more English around the second semester, we do a lot of group work. I teach one-way so the beginning of the year is a bit hard for all because they don't have a buddy to rely on. #gcisdchat
A5
I try to point out at various times in all subjects that we ALL need extra wait time. We all have strengths /weaknesses and that it is ok. #gcisdchat
#gcisdchat
A1: In here we can see a beautiful example of how we use Art, Foreign Language and Circle Up techniques as students feel more and more comfortable with each other in their primary and secondary language.
I just found this resource right now! I like that the website has information for both teachers and families to help students be successful with multiple languages. #gcisdchat
Q5: My classroom is set up to where the students are mostly in charge of their own learning. They have goals throughout the day that they need to meet. We all start together maybe with the same work, but then as students finish, they move on to their next task. #gcisdchat
A5- Total Participation Techniques give ss more processing time & keep the whole class engaged (instead of just those who raise their hands) https://t.co/Zq4CBsdKQ8#gcisdchat
A5 Making wait time a habit so all Ss expect it will make it feel natural. Building that strong classroom culture should comfort Ss to be okay asking if they need more time or allow you to come back to them in a few minutes. We are all here to learn, including us! #gcisdchat
A5: it is all also differentiated to their levels of academics. I differentiate for their English proficiency levels when they meet me for small groups daily. This is where a lot of the L2 comes from aside from mini whole group lessons. #gcisdchat
A6: topics have to be about things the kids care about; writing prompts and speaking practice need to focus on kid-centric up-to-date topics #gcisdchat
A5- Total Participation Techniques give ss more processing time & keep the whole class engaged (instead of just those who raise their hands) https://t.co/Zq4CBsdKQ8#gcisdchat
#gcisdchat
A6: Recess believe it or not! Students are constantly interacting with one another in a fun and non threatening environment. Hearing, seeing and learning all at once.
A6 I like to make a game of it. Any time a student uses the key vocabulary words of the unit the S using the vocabulary gets a Gator buck as well as the S that recognizes it. #gcisdchat
A6: topics have to be about things the kids care about; writing prompts and speaking practice need to focus on kid-centric up-to-date topics #gcisdchat
A6 Know where your students are and meet them there! If they are at the BICS level seek them out at lunch and recess to develop their language! Success there will lead to more risks in class #GCISDchat#TESleads
A6: I find that it is nice to have a buddy in class in ways, but sometimes the buddy becomes the "crutch" and speaks for the Ss. I will have conversations in circle up & require all to speak, casually of course and after trust is built. #gcisdchat
A6: I love the turn and talk technique. After mini lessons or questions I have about the lesson I have my kinder friends turn and talk to a partner next to them. This allows all students to get the opportunity to share out loud! :) #gcisdchat
A6 I like to make a game of it. Any time a student uses the key vocabulary words of the unit the S using the vocabulary gets a Gator buck as well as the S that recognizes it. #gcisdchat
A5
I try to point out at various times in all subjects that we ALL need extra wait time. We all have strengths /weaknesses and that it is ok. #gcisdchat
A5: I also answer to them in the target language when they ask me a question. and if they are unable to answer, I help them say it and have them repeat it to me. :) #gcisdchat
A6 Just finished a book study, Purposeful Play. By offering opportunities for play within the classroom where you coach in instead of pulling a small group to your table. Listening as kids play and teaching at moments when they are most engaged is powerful! #gcisdchat
A6 Know where your students are and meet them there! If they are at the BICS level seek them out at lunch and recess to develop their language! Success there will lead to more risks in class #GCISDchat#TESleads
Q5 - Provide a safe learning environment so that students know & are okay with others taking extra time. I think that dual students are used to it. Their buddy can help them, and I give them all the time they need! I haven't seen any issues with this. #gcisdchat
A5: I like for them to record themselves reading their little readers at home. Or they can record about a lesson. I then have them share their recordings in class or they listen to each other reading their books after breakfast. :) #gcisdchat
A7 Be intentional in your planning! Hold yourself accountable for activities in each domain! Or integrate strategies like Talk, Read, Talk l, Write that include all 4! #GCISDchat#TESleads
A6 Just finished a book study, Purposeful Play. By offering opportunities for play within the classroom where you coach in instead of pulling a small group to your table. Listening as kids play and teaching at moments when they are most engaged is powerful! #gcisdchat
A7 Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop offers opportunities for all domains. Through turn and talk during mini lesson to small reading groups, strategy groups, partnerships, book clubs, table conferences, and more! #gcisdchat
A7: I LOVE seeing ELLs engaged in Socratic Seminars and Philosophical Chairs. They read to prepare, speak and listen to participate, and write to reflect. Not to mention it often being over culturally relevant topics! #gcisdchat
Q5 - Provide a safe learning environment so that students know & are okay with others taking extra time. I think that dual students are used to it. Their buddy can help them, and I give them all the time they need! I haven't seen any issues with this. #gcisdchat
A7 Be intentional in your planning! Hold yourself accountable for activities in each domain! Or integrate strategies like Talk, Read, Talk l, Write that include all 4! #GCISDchat#TESleads
So simple yet so profoundly powerful. Regardless of classroom grade or content this one simple thing a teacher can do easily deepens learning. #gcisdchat
A6: I love the turn and talk technique. After mini lessons or questions I have about the lesson I have my kinder friends turn and talk to a partner next to them. This allows all students to get the opportunity to share out loud! :) #gcisdchat
A6 Know where your students are and meet them there! If they are at the BICS level seek them out at lunch and recess to develop their language! Success there will lead to more risks in class #GCISDchat#TESleads
A7: It all starts with planning meaningful and purposeful lessons that reflect where the students are using the PLDs but keeping the vision of where they need to be. #gcisdchat
A7: I incorporate all four into a lesson on a daily. Even if it is my math week. I plan my lessons to where it is an I do/ we do/ you do. I teach my mini lesson (listening), we all engage in the conversation (speaking), they write about it and we read on the topic :) #gcisdchat
A7: plan lessons with goal of hitting all 4 domains every time; even if that means turning a solo writing practice into a partner reading/listening and discussing, ... finding quick ways to hit ea. domain, listening, speaking, reading and writing regardless of activity #gcisdchat
A7- The PLDs help remind us to provide reg. opportunities for ss to engage in all 4 language domains. How can you become a proficient English speaker if you are never given an opportunity to talk? #gcisdchat
A8
I enjoy letting ELL Ss teach us some things in their language. Then we are all new language learners and we can be empathic to the struggles of learning a new language. #gcisdchat
This is so important- We have to make sure we provide ELLs the language support they need, but also provide opportunities to think critically & analyze complex topics #gcisdchat
A7- The PLDs help remind us to provide reg. opportunities for ss to engage in all 4 language domains. How can you become a proficient English speaker if you are never given an opportunity to talk? #gcisdchat
A7: I do a couple of read alouds a day so they can listen to the language even more. :) plus they are always so fun! and we predict and retell so we can speak more. Many times we act it out to put the vocabulary/language into action for retention of that story/words #gcisdchat
A4: sentence stems is also something my littles rely on so much! Once they gather a bit more English around the second semester, we do a lot of group work. I teach one-way so the beginning of the year is a bit hard for all because they don't have a buddy to rely on. #gcisdchat
A8 It feels like the question says it all. It allows them to express themselves completely! Our learning environments are safe places for kids to be themselves which means to express themselves in different ways. #gcisdchat
Q8: Translanguaging affirms the Ss other spoken languages and often can help the student communicate more precisely than if they were forced to use English only. Seems like Culturally Responsive Teaching to me. #gcisdchat
A8: Kindergarten dual is all about translanguage. Translanguage is the baby step into full bilingualism. :) It seems to come after the silent period where they are all just inputing the language. Important milestone into learning the language fluently. #gcisdchat
A9: Creating a classroom culture of respect. Circling up has really helped my Ss this year. We share random things about feelings, ourselves, etc. When Ss saw others sharing & engaging as a listener they opened up. This provided practice in language, speaking. #gcisdchat
A9 By giving them that time to feel safe but then also explaining to them you will be pushing (gently) for them to be brave! I liked to tell my students to respect their Spanish learning time and then also the English learning time. #gcisdchat
A8: Kindergarten dual is all about translanguage. Translanguage is the baby step into full bilingualism. :) It seems to come after the silent period where they are all just inputing the language. Important milestone into learning the language fluently. #gcisdchat
A9: This one is tough for me to answer because I have all ELLS in the classroom, but I do find that they feel comfortable when their friends begin translating everything I say to them. #gcisdchat
#gcisdchat
Q9: Bring a presenter that can bring Art and Culture to the mix! Puertorrican artist Mr. Noin Rivera showcasing the art of vejigante masks to our students in CALA.
A8: yes, very important to let kids use other language and explain what they mean; kids need to feel their home language is still valid; can't be told "English only" when sometimes what they want to express they simply can't in English and need that transition #gcisdchat
A9: makes my heart so happy to hear them translating for their peers. They came in with little to no English and then they help their friends by repeating what the teacher says in Spanish. #gcisdchat
A9: I saw this quote a while ago and is not my favorite: “I wish You knew how smart I am in my own language” we need to allow them time to show us how much they know, but again, it takes time and we must be willing to wait. #gcisdchat
