2. ESOL DEPARTMENT REPETITION BREEDS RECOGNITION!

3. TEXT FEATURES

5. WHY IS THIS SO IMPORTANT? A person must experience a new word over 15 times, correctly in context in order for it to become part of his or her vocabulary. If ALL teachers refer to text features used in their textbooks, AND student notes, students will recognize the importance of the features. Repetition breeds Recognition!

6. SO WHAT ELSE SHOULD BE REPEATED? Main idea- central message, or topic of a piece of text. Does not have to be written text. Thesis statement- a sentence, or more, that clearly identifies the main idea of the entire essay or article. Topic sentence- a sentence clearly identifying the main idea of a paragraph. Supporting details- specific, concrete details, relevant to the topic sentence, giving additional information about the topic sentence.

7. WHY SHOULD YOU DO THIS? If all teachers use these terms as they are referring to text and their assignments, these terms will become part of their academic language, not just terms on a Language Arts or writing test. Additionally, its much easier to grade when all you’re looking for is a specific statement or specific details to convey understanding.

8. EXAMPLE: In complete sentences, explain the steps of photosynthesis: There are four steps of photosynthesis. First the chlorophyll (the chemical that makes plants leaves green and traps sunlight) traps the sunlight in the leaves. (The sunlight provides energy for the plants.) Next the sunlight gives the plant energy to start the food-making process. Then the roots suck nutrients up to the leaves and then the leaves mix carbon dioxide, the nutrients and water to make their food. (sugar) Finally they throw out their waste (oxygen).

9. SHOULD I CORRECT STUDENT CONVENTIONS? Simple answer? Yes! Truthfully, if students are not beginning sentences with capital letters, ending with correct punctuation, etc., they are miscommunicating. A capital letter at the start of a sentence indicates to the reader, “This is the start of a new sentence. It will have information related to the sentence before it, or after it.” A period means to the reader, “This is the end of this particular thought.” Anything less is just notes.

10. SHOULD CONVENTIONS BE PART OF THEIR GRADE ON A TEST OR ASSIGNMENT OUTSIDE OF ENGLISH CLASS? I hate to create more work for my fellow already over- worked teachers, but if we want to read clear writing, we have to expect it, and not accept anything less. So you decide what works for you- personally, I refuse to grade anything not handed to me in the correct format. Students generally only make that mistake once. Then they start using margins, and generally correct conventions.

11. WHY SHOULD YOU DO THIS ? Because you’re THAT kind of teacher! You’re the kind of teacher using accommodations and best teaching practices. You’re the kind of teacher working to close learning gaps in all demographics. You’re the kind of teacher who gets excited when students make connections and demonstrate understanding of the material you’re teaching. You’re the kind of teacher working to prepare your students for their next grade level and beyond!

12. THANK YOU FOR BEING…. THAT kind of teacher! ESOL Department Janice Tonger 1C-304 x46236