For students, English is mandatory; for me, it's a passion. Driven to unlock in my students the joy I find in English language and literature, I strive to make interesting lessons based on topics students tell me they love, and throw as much creativity into the mix as I can to stave off boredom for everyone.
For students, English is mandatory; for me, it's a passion. Driven to unlock in my students the joy I find in English language and literature, I strive to make interesting lessons based on topics students tell me they love, and throw as much creativity into the mix as I can to stave off boredom for everyone.
Specifically designed for Level 3 ESL, this mini unit takes English Language Learners through the steps of creating a business proposal. Using Dragon's Den, Shark Tank, and figures like Steve Jobs, we look at what makes a successful product pitch - and presentation, to boot. An additional item you may want to include that isn't in this PPT is creating a catchy advertisement (I like to draw mine on the board as we brainstorm together a class and decide the elements needed as we go... it's useful to look at ads and pick out features, first). There is heavy emphasis on vocabulary, presentation skills, and evaluating for effectiveness. Included is a rubric (based on the Ontario curriculum) that is easily adapted to suit your curriculum outcomes, if desired.
Yoga English is pretty well exactly what it sounds like: yoga + English activities = a new literature experience!
Included are 9 posters for you to put around your classroom, each with a different yoga pose and set of questions and thinking/discussion prompts (as well as a brief intro on using this resource).
Meant to be used while studying literature (novels, plays, short stories, etc.), the questions are universal and character-centric... which means you can use them again and again. Hello, last-minute planning! Except, these resources will help you bring creativity, thoughtfulness, discussion, and rejuvenation to your class, so it's the best kind of last-minute planning.
The types of prompts included will be especially useful and relevant if the characters in the literature you're studying are any of the following:
- in complicated relationships
- unstable
- in want or need of something
- changing OR resistant to change
- poised and strong
- power-hungry
- sturdy and well-formed
- flimsy and weak
- in need of some introspection (who isn't!?)
There are two rounds included in this PowerPoint, but one "round" will usually take up a period. Students need mini whiteboards (or something to write on), a dictionary or two, and to come up with a team name. Once done, the games can begin! There are five or so literacy activities per round that focus on topics such as: punctuation, homophones, vocabulary, etc. I used this mostly with Year 7 students and lower level Year 8s. I made it knowing I had a smart board to use, but for things like the class word search which are meant to be interactive, I've just used a projector before on a whiteboard, too.