ESL Newsletter January - April 2014 by Suzanne Ensmann

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ESL Newsletter

INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST: IN THE SPOTLIGHT

ECO WISE

A Word From Our Administrative Director of The School of Ed. Dr. Marta Cronin

INSIDE THIS ISSUE A Word From Our Administrative Director of The School of Ed. Dr. Marta Cronin

Notes from the Chair by Judy Martin-Hall

News from Tepeyac Center in Fellsmere

Professional Development Offerings from LINCS

Health Tips by Sarita Akhtar

POTPOURRI CORNER By Paula DiBartolomeo

Techno Tips by Suzanne Ensmann

Important Dates

And Much More...

They work several jobs, they care for large families, they use public transportation, walk or ride their bikes to get around….the students who populate ESL classes often are described as possessing at least some of these characteristics. These are the individuals you teach. Individuals who are often so bogged down by daily life itself, that it is a wonder they come to you ready to learn. But, that they do. They come to class eager to learn, eager to be able to make their way in this country, eager to better their lives for their own benefit and that of their families. There is very little you can do, as instructors, to change the circumstances under which your students live, but what you can do is focus on the desire to learn, the desire to succeed, the desire to prevail. Ralph Waldo Emerson was once quoted as saying: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm”. It is up to you to turn apprehension or the myriad of emotions your students feel given the task they are undertaking, and turn that into enthusiasm for the journey on which they are beginning. For that is what it is and learning English will only be the first step on that journey. Keep your students focused on their long term goals and they, and their families, will be eternally grateful to you for it.

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Notes from the Chair Judy Martin-Hall English as a Second language Department Chair Happy Spring! And I hope that all of the ESL team enjoyed a relaxing Spring Break! I consider Spring as a time of renewal – new ideas and looking forward. This Spring Semester with the help of the ESL team, the department has launched many new initiatives to benefit our students. Teachers were trained and the Pathways Reading/Writing & Critical Thinking series pilots are in progress at four pilot locations; in January four Burlington classes were chosen and instructors trained for a national Burlington/CASAS research study; instructional staff and full-timers are being trained on Angel; and the ESL Department has joined the college in leaving Accutrack behind for Accudemia. I’m grateful to each of you for your dedication and enthusiasm in moving ESL forward and helping our students achieve their dreams of learning English and moving beyond ESL to college or careers. Spring culminates with celebration! Following Spring Break, ESL students will post-test and see the tangible results of their hard work with improved test scores. We will celebrate students’ success at our ESL Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, May 13th, at 7 p.m. in McAlpin Auditorium. It is so heartwarming to see the smiles of students proudly marching across the stage to receive their certificates and shake Dr. Massey’s hand. This is such a special ceremony since for many of our students it may be the first time they’ve been honored for an achievement. The ESL Award Ceremony also celebrates the hard work of our teachers and staff – each of you plays a critical role in encouraging students to continue until they succeed in improving their English and following their dreams. Thank you so much for the wonderful difference that you make for our students with your hard work, creativity and compassion. You make me proud to be a part of ESL!

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News from Tepeyac Center in Fellsmere Diego Marentes, an ESL and Citizenship student at the Tepeyac Center in Fellsmere, participated in an historic event on Jan. 31 of this year. He, and a record 700 immigrants, took their Oath of Allegiance at the South Florida State Fair in West Palm Beach. This was the largest Naturalization Ceremony in the history of the USCIS. He is also the 60th student from the Fellsmere site to pass the Citizenship test! It requires much study time for these students to pass, but their motivation and commitment to become citizens helps them succeed. At least an SPL 4 is needed, as well as the ability to answer and understand the 10 page application form in English. There are 100 questions on US History and Government to learn, as well as reading and writing dictated sentences. Recently there have been 8 students over 50 years old who came to learn the application questions in English, but were eligible to take the 100 Questions in their native language because of their age. Every one of them took the test in English and passed! Diego Marentes

Each student comes with poignant stories of their journey to this point in their lives and demonstrates a deep appreciation for the rights and privileges that we often take for granted. Nancy Benedict, Instructor. Tepeyac Center

Using Local Government and Community Resources to Engage ESL Students Would you like to involve your students more in their local community? There is a way for your ESL students to learn how local government works, and at the same time participate actively and contribute to their local community. Give them a schedule of City Council meetings, and invite them to attend. General public has the right of word before the council for 3 minutes or less. However, if they are in the agenda for the meeting they have more time. The links below take you directly to City Council meeting schedules in the four-county area.

In the Spotlight The Academy of Future Teachers of Indian River State College attended the FFEA-Florida Future Teachers of America conference of the Florida Department of Education this past weekend. Out of 7 categories, the Academy won the following: First Place: Public Service Announcement for FFEA First Place: Chapter Display Award First Place: Chapter Power Point Presentation Second Place: Lesson Plan Competition Second Place: Ms. Kelly Siters, (graduate and former Academy of Future Teachers President) representing Martin County High School- in Spirit Presentation. Note: Ms. Kelli Siters and Ms. Amy Bilodeau-Crossland are both graduates of Indian River State College School of Education. Both were officers of the Indian River State College Academy of Future Teachers. Ms. Siters is currently teaching Math at Martin County High School and Ms. Crossland is currently teaching Science at Port St. Lucie High School. These two graduates attended this conference with the current Academy members to show their dedication and support of our group.

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Professional Development Offerings from LINCS ELL-U Second Language Acquisition Teaching Emergent Readers Formative Assessment The Role of Culture Principles of Second Language Teaching

Learning to Achieve Learning Disabilities and Accommodations Learning Disabilities and English Language learners Learning Disabilities and Neuroscience Professional’s Guide to Educating Adults

LINCS Science Engaging Adult Learners in Science Scientific Practices in Context

LINCS Technology and Learning Integrating Technology in the Adult Education Classroom

Adult Career Pathways (NEW) Building Strategic Partnerships Developing Effective Bridge Programs Designing Contextualized Instruction Integrating Career Counseling and Planning Engaging Employers in Adult Career Pathways

LINCS Learning Portal Log In https://auth.lincs.ed.gov/idp/Authn/UserPassword

Learning To Achieve (L2A) For those of our newsletter readers who wish to expand their knowledge of Adults with Learning Disabilities, there are now more modules being offered online by LINCS. If you wish to take the online modules follow these simple steps: 1. Go to http://moodle.cls.utk.edu/login/index.php 2. Click on "Create New Account" 3. Enter the Enrollment key = LTARRCII 4. Upon module completion and survey completion you will receive a certificate.

English Language Learner University (ELL-U) ELL-U is now a member of the LINCS family (Literacy Information and Communication System). You may access all ELL-U resources by visiting the LINCS page at http://lincs.ed.gov/programs/ell-u/ “ELL-U was a free professional development network for ESOL practitioners. The resources developed through this federally-funded initiative were designed to broaden, deepen, and strengthen the knowledge and skills of educators working with adult ELLs. ESOL practitioners and ELLs may continue to leverage these resources and the network of practitioners where they now reside on the LINCS site. Follow the links below to explore these evidence-based, high quality courses and resources. The National Adult English Language Learning Professional Development Network is a “Professional Development Portal for Adult ESOL Educators.” (http://lincs.ed.gov/programs/ell-u/)

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ECO

Wise

Hydroponics What is Hydroponics? Many of you might remember the 60s series Lost in Space... or maybe not. I do. In many of the episodes I was very intrigued to see mischievous Dr. Smith working on “the hydroponic garden” to supply the entire space-stranded family with the much needed veggies. Well, turns out that hydroponics is not just part of a 60’s science fiction TV show. According to an article by ag.arizona.edu, Hydroponics has been around supposedly since the days of Roman Emperor Tiberius during the first century. Today, the art of Hydroponic farming is beginning to be so widely used that people living in apartment buildings of populated metropolitan areas use their little balconies to grow herbs, veggies and fruits. Whether you are planning on a small set up in your kitchen perhaps, a back yard project, or a large scale operation you might want to do some research to decide which system is best for you. To learn more about Hydroponics visit these websites and find out how to grow your own fruits and vegetables even in the smallest of spaces.

How Hydroponics Works

Hydroponic Gardening for Small Spaces

What is Hydroponics?

In addition, you might want to visit the IRSC Tomeu Building hydroponic project at the Main Campus, and speak with the master minds behind it, Ed Vazquez and Esteban Anselmo to get an in -depth look and a live tutorial on how to start your own hydroponic garden. Ed Vazquez and Esteban Anselmo have been developing a prototype hydroponic system as part of their Science and Math curriculum. Ed Vazquez is the Science Curriculum Developer/Educator for Adult High School and Esteban Anselmo is the Mathematics Curriculum Developer for the same department. As you see, this project is an interdisciplinary activity that involves Science and Math.

Esteban Anselmo, Mathematics Curriculum Developer/Educator for Adult High School

Esteban Anselmo and Ed Vazquez with their Hydroponic Prototype

Ed Vazquez, Science Curriculum Developer/Educator for Adult High School

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Health Tips by Sarita Akhtar For those of us who work in any office setting, we have had had to change our lives and adapt to the modern world revolving around us. Type writers, word processors, “What are they?” Some young people may have never even seen a type writer or word processor. These people are what society refers to as “Technology Babies”. My children for instance, they manipulate the iPad better than me. My older son downloads the updates on the I-phone when necessary as well as he downloads different programs or music that he is interested in. We live in a “Digital world” and we are all so lucky to have these experiences. Along with living in this Digital world comes consequences, drawbacks and hazards which can and may affect our health and performance level at work or when using any of these technological gadgets. Digital eyestrain is now a common growing problem. Eye and vision problems are reported in 70 to 75% of computer workers, according to the American Optometric Association. What are problems associated with Digital Eye Strain? Well, headaches, eye pain, redness, watering, double vision and loss of focus are all associated with digital eyestrain. The good news is there are numerous things you can do to help avoid the condition, including: Taking a break. Taking frequent 15 minute breaks and focusing your eyes on distant objects across the room will give your focusing muscles a chance to relax. We are guilty of this and many of us sit in front of the computer for 90 to 120 minutes before getting up just to take a 5 minute break. Try the palming technique. This is a form of meditation for the eyes. It is very simple and can be done by closing your eyes and placing the centers of your palms over your eyes. Take deep slow breaths and relax your eye muscles. This is a wonderful way to relax your eyes and help them feel like new during those long computer projects. Keep your shoulders and neck relaxed. Tension in this area will cause a tension in your eyes. An occasional neck and shoulder massage will also work wonders. Blink your eyes frequently. When doing any digital work, your blink rate decreases. A conscious effort should be made to blink lightly every 10 to 15 seconds. This will coat the cornea, or front part of the eye, to nourish your eye with oxygen and nutrients -- and the coating of tears will also sharpen your vision. Wear computer glasses. Use a pair of computer glasses and work at the proper distance -- 20 to 28 inches, depending on the focal point of the eye. Computer glasses have a different focal point than reading glasses. This will reduce the effort of focusing and putting a strain on your eyes. The extra effort to focus will cause tension in the eye muscles, which in addition to causing eye discomfort can lead to an increase in eye pressure. These strategies should be kept in mind when working with any device, such as your smart phone, smart TV, I-pad, I-phone, laptop, etc… Keep your monitor bright. This will reduce fatigue. Fatigue can lead to eyestrain and headaches. A bright monitor causes the pupil to constrict and a greater range of focus will result. This will reduce the need for your eye to accommodate and enable you to work longer with more comfort. Take vitamins and minerals. We must all take vitamins and minerals to meet the requirements and needs of our bodies. Remember to consider buying a vitamin which has increase “Eye Health” clearly labeled on it. Choose a vitamin that offers key antioxidants and ingredients that will help improve the health of the eye and reduce eyestrain. Those can include vitamins A, C, and E with a B complex and zinc. Lastly, what has really worked for me is changing my computer screen’s position. The position of your computer can add to your eyestrain. It is important that it is positioned a good distance away, around 20-28 inches from the eye, and that there are no glares on it. Re-position your computer to provide maximum eye comfort. What I did it slightly tilt my computer to a 25 degree angle and it has really helped my eye strain. Following the tips above can help reduce your chances of getting digital eyestrain. When you feel good, you are able to do anything longer. Have a great day working on your devices….

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POTPOURRI CORNER By Paula DiBartolomeo

More from the “Grammar Patrol!” Was vs. were ?

What's in and what's out for adult ESL in 2014? OUT

1. Grammar-based instruction

1. Content-based-instruction

2. Never any grammar instruction

2. Form-focused instruction as appropriate

3. Multilevel instruction

3. Differentiated Instruction

4. Survival English

4. Thrive (al) English

5. English first, then content

5. Integrating language and content instruction

6. Throwing learners in the deep end

6. Scaffolding, scaffolding, scaffolding

7. Teaching nonsense words

7. Teaching real vocabulary

8. Objectives

8. Objectives, inputs, outputs, and outcomes

9. Target language only

9. Use of native language if appropriate

10. Guessing words from context

10. Getting meaning from word analysis strategies, building background, pre-teaching vocabulary, and context

Language Adventures The Click language is said to mark the very origins of human speech, and it is attributed to The Bush Man of Southern Africa, and whom is said to have inhabited that area for the last 20,000 years. To learn more about the Click Language and The Bush Man click the images.

Source: https://community.lincs.ed.gov/discussion/whats-and-whats-out-adult-esl-2014

Everyone makes this mistake, so don’t beat yourself up if you do. It’s frankly astounding how many well educated, articulate, and prominent figures make this mistake. Just watch the evening news on any network and I’m certain you hear at least one example of this. However, it’s an easy fix if you give it just a little thought. Here’s the incorrect use: “If I was rich, I’d buy lots and lots of pants.” However, the correct choice here would be were, not was. Were here would be correctly used in the subjunctive mood — a case in which what you’re saying is hypothetical. If you’ve used “if,” that’s a pretty good indicator that were is appropriate: “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” (You’re not me, so it’s subjunctive) or “If I were at work right now, I’d be eating a waffle.” Remember, you use “were” because you’re actually not at work right now. But if you were writing about an actual past event, you’d use “was” (e.g. “When I was at work”). http://www.copyblogger.com/grammar-chimpanzee

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Techno Tips by Suzanne Ensmann Walmart Gift Card? Gas Card? Or, Donation to Your Favorite Charity? In the last ESL Newsletter, I challenged everyone to empower students to learn while engaging them in civic responsibility. The free iCivics resource spearheaded by Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor makes it easy! It takes two easy steps: 1. Play to learn! http://www.icivics.org/games 2. Spark competition!  Introduce the games to students: http://www.icivics.org/games

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Have them post the games they played and their points earned to our FB page: www.Facebook.com/irscAECP Added bonus: FREE resources for your classroom: http://www.icivics.org/teachers As reported by our online instructors, one of the most difficult hurdles to a student’s success is getting started, though. In the online world, that hurdle is literally turning the computer on. Are we any different as educators? Life gets in the way and all we can do is keep up with what we already know. There is no time in our schedule to learn something else, let alone implement something new. As teachers, we have the opportunity to make our communities a better place simply by incorporating the idea of civic engagement into our lessons. Is it just an opportunity or a responsibility, though? IRSC’s goals include: “Enhance and enrich the student learning experience through comprehensive and convenient student support services, advisement, co-curricular programs and activities which reinforce critical thinking, problem solving, leadership development, and good citizenship skills.”1 The iCivics mission states: “We envision a nation where all young Americans are prepared for active and intelligent citizenship”. iCivics games offer a free platform for students to think critically and problem solve, then, lead and be good citizens by donating their earned points to a cause. The games have been played by over 40,000 educators and three million students nationwide more than ten million times 2. Obviously, other educators and students have found the iCivics games to be effective. iCivics makes meeting IRSC’s goal and bettering our community fun and easy, not a chore but a reward. Make it a homework assignment, competition or offer bonus credit. But, your students won’t play until you do. Will the intrinsic motivator of knowing you’re doing the right thing be enough to add it to your already busy schedule? Perhaps, it will be the reward of competing against your family members or actually having fun learning? 1 "IRSC Mission Statement - Indian River State College." 2010. 21 Mar. 2014 http://www.irsc.edu/aboutirsc/aboutirsc.aspx?id=4472 "Our Story | iCivics." 2013. 21 Mar. 2014 https://www.icivics.org/our-story Or, would money simply be the best motivator for you? We all need to drive to work, feed are family and are passionate about something. So, let’s vote on the reward you would like to earn if you achieved the highest points in any of the iCivics games, then. Would it be a Walmart card? A gas card? Or, a donation to your favorite charity? Note: This contest is for YOU… not your students. :) Vote now: http://tinyurl.com/iCivicsVote. Then, begin playing and watch the next newsletter to see when the top reward voted upon will be announced! Just think, if you play to learn the value in these games, you can connect our students to play to learn. If students play, they can connect their families or future students to play (while learning, then) also! Win/win/win! Play now: https://www.icivics.org/games Check out some of the games below. Activate: Make a positive change in your community Argument Wars: Support arguments with evidentiary persuasion Bill of Rights: Branches of Power: Control all three branches of government to see how they all work! Cast Your Vote: Determine the winner of debates and vote on candidates Counties Work: Determine the programs and services that affect your community Court Quest: Navigate our court system Crisis of Nations: Work together to solve international turmoil (play on FB: )

Do I Have a Right: Apply the Bill of Rights, while learning basic customer service skills in a law firm (iPad app) Executive Command: Become president! Immigration Nation: Become a citizen Lawcraft: Make a law People’s Pie: Control the federal budget Power Play: Coach the candidates Represent Me! Be the candidate Responsibility Launcher Do I Have a Right: Start with the basics Supreme Decision: Replicate the Supreme Court in a classroom We the Jury: Decide on a touch legal case! Win the Whitehouse: Run for presidency!

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Available PD Offerings by the Employee Development Program (EDP) Summer I – 2014 EDF2930 Reference #195946 Special Topics in Education – Foundations of Learning Styles (1 Credit) Mueller Campus - Face-to-Face Course - Grading S/U Saturday, May 3 and Friday, May 9, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Building D, Room 119 This course will explore multiple ways on how to identify learning styles activities appropriate for integration into curriculum designs. It emphasizes the value of learning styles and focuses on its use in the classroom and will: Define Learning Styles as it relates to classroom instruction. Identify students’ individual Learning Style characteristics through a Learning Styles instrument. Redesign the classroom environment based upon students’ preferred Learning Styles. Identify Global and Analytic Approaches to Teaching. Summer I – 2014 EDG1932 Reference #195947 Enhancing Teacher Effectiveness – Creating Learning Styles Classroom Manipulatives (1 Credit) Mueller Campus - Face-to-Face Course - Grading S/U Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Building D, Room 119 This course will explore multiple ways on how to design and create: Small-Group Instructional Techniques and Tactual-Kinesthetic Resources and learning styles activities appropriate for integration into curriculum designs. Registration: There is no cost to full-time or part-time faculty, staff or administrators; just enroll for these EDP-sponsored college credit courses as a student would (over the phone by calling 1-866-792-4772 (IRSC), on-line at www.irsc.edu, or in person at any campus registrar's office) and we’ll process the tuition payment for you through the Staff and Program Development Fund (SPD). If you have not taken a course at IRSC in the past 2 years, you will need to fill out a Florida residency verification document. A student identification number is required to enroll in the course. If you do not have one, an IRSC application for admissions may be needed to proceed with enrollment. For assistance regarding course content contact Lorraine Coughlin, School of Education Faculty at ext. 7509 or lcoughli@irsc.edu. For assistance and questions regarding registration, contact Gale Patterson ext. 7508 or mpatters@irsc.edu. Marta Cronin has approved these courses as acceptable for all ESL instructors and has advised to forward her approval to all adjuncts. If you choose to take these courses, keep a copy of this approval for your records.

Important Dates Cosmetology and Barbering TBA CNA Evening Program - BEB Instructor will present on the CNA evening program, taught here at BEB. She will give an overview of the course, the requirements, the need for CNA’s in our community, etc… TBA (Please contact Sarita Akhtar for more information at 462-7396 or sakhtar@irsc.edu Spring 2014 CASAS Post Testing All sites and campuses will be conducting CASAS Post testing for the Spring 2014 semester the week of April 7th Financial Aid Mary Lewis 772-462-7444 Ms. Lewis will introduce the students to the process of applying for financial aid, the steps, process, the requirements to qualify, etc… Wednesday, April 9, 2014 @12:00 pm, BEB-room 108

ESL Awards Ceremony May 13th, 2014—McAlpin Fine Arts Auditorium Monday, May 26—Memorial Day—NO CLASSES—ALL SITES AND CAMPUSES CLOSED

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EASY LINKS 60-Second Civics

The Grammar Teaching Newsletter

Find flashcards to study

Teaching Strategies: Easing the Pathway for Adult Learners with Disabilities to Develop competence in the Classroom and Beyond

Words of Wisdom

IRSC Mission Statement Indian River State College is a comprehensive college accredited to award Baccalaureate Degrees, Associate Degrees, and Career and Technical Certificates. As a leader in education and innovation, IRSC transforms lives by offering high-quality, affordable and accessible education to the residents of Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties through traditional and electronic delivery. We commit to: • Creating a superior teaching and learning environment • Cultivating student success • Embracing diversity • Stimulating economic growth • Developing a highly-skilled workforce • Building partnerships to expand opportunities • Providing cultural enrichment and lifelong learning

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