ESL Newsletter October-December 2013

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ESL Newsletter

INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:

Notes from the Chair by Judy Martin-Hall

EASY LINKS ECO Wise

Best Wishes for a Happy, Relaxing Holiday Break! INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Notes from the Chair by Judy Martin-Hall

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Free ESOL/ESL online instructional videos By David J. Rosen, Ed.D.

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International Students’ Day 2013 at the Mueller Campus by Donna Haro

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Health Tips By Sarita Akhtar

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Important Reminders

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Words of Wisdom

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Techno Tips by Suzanne Ensmann

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POTPOURRI CORNER By Paula DiBartolomeo

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And Much More...

As we wind down another semester and say farewell to 2013, I want to wish all of the ESL Faculty and Staff Happy Holidays and a relaxing holiday break. I give my heartfelt thanks to all the part-time and full-time personnel - from those who oversee the front offices to those who teach in classrooms and labs. The ESL team, full and part-time, work diligently to ensure that our curriculum and lessons continue to provide meaningful interaction for our students and prepare them to integrate into our communities, move on into the workforce, or into career or college studies at IRSC. In the new year and beyond, IRSC ESL will continue to address the issues of preparing students for career pathways as we refine our curriculum to address new Florida ESOL Standards and Career and College Readiness Standards. We will do this while focusing on our most important task – that of educating our ESL students so that they can become productive members of our community and our nation. Since many of our students are raising children and supporting extended families in the U.S., your efforts in teaching our students are more far reaching than you might imagine. You help improve the lives of entire families and impact the future through their children. I remain grateful to be associated with each of you. Henry Adams, writer, historian and grandson of John Adams probably best expressed my admiration for teachers when he said: “A teacher affects eternity. He (or she) can never tell where his( or her) influence stops”. Thanks for making a difference!


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Free ESOL/ESL (English for Speakers of Other Languages/English as a Second Language) online instructional videos David J. Rosen, Ed.D., President, Newsome Associates, http://newsomeassociates.com Adult English language learners and teachers now have a wide range of choices of supplementary online English language learning videos and every week there are more. Some will be found on web sites, some on YouTube. Of course, teachers should preview them before assigning them to students. Here are some good examples: USALearns is a well-developed, widely-used, free ESL web site for U.S. adult learners that is also used by English language learners in other countries. http://www.usalearns.org We are New York is an excellent online (streamed and downloadable), TV broadcast (at least in New York City) and DVD format adult ESOL/ESL video series that also is available on YouTube. Sponsored by the Mayor’s Office of Adult Education in New York City, from this website one can download full videos and also these accompanying print materials: Important Words, Study Guide, and a Low Level Reader. Magazines and scripts can also be downloaded in English and in other languages: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Russian and Spanish. http://www.nyc.gov/html/weareny/html/episodes/episodes.shtml There are nine episodes, with the following topics, that can be streamed from this web page: Welcome Parents Stay in School Love and Money New Life CafŽ Asthma No Smoking The Wedding Domestic Violence The Hospital

Videos available for streaming on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/ WeAreNY Introductory Video: We Are New York in the Classroom Part 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3eqDNtwvOc ConnectmWithbEnglish This free broadcast TV or videotape ESL/ESOL course uses a dramatic story to teach English language skills while presenting the geographical, cultural, social, and economic diversity of America. Course components include: 25 half-hour programs (each program contains two 15-minute episodes, ) video comprehension books, conversation books, grammar guides, a faculty manual, a home viewer guide (optional), graded readers (optional), an instructor's manual (optional), a soundtrack (optional) and a demonstration video (optional) No license required after summer 2005 .Annenberg/CPB @ www.learner.org; 1-800-LEARNER http://www.learner.org/resources/series71.html Continued on page 6

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International Students’ Day 2013 at the Mueller Campus by Donna Haro It was our first event at the Richardson Center since the last ESL Certificate Ceremony held there 2 years ago. Good to be back and we’re already booked for next year!

There was unprecedented cooperation and involvement from all 3 ESL levels. For the first time beginning and intermediate level students gave presentations. Talk about courage!

We had mountains of good food and we had tables and chairs to eat at instead of tablet desks. Students relished the chance to socialize with the other classes.

This was Jen Johnson’s first big event as our new boss. Here is Jen getting pointers from Linda O’Neal.

The event ended with a Capoeira demonstration. What, you have never heard of Capoeira? Capoeira

Jenny Daniel posing near the delicious griot she made. Griot

Artifacts brought all the way from Tajikistan. Tajikistan

Can you say World Cup? World Cup 2014


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International Education Week November 2013 Parade of Nations Main Campus


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Health Tips by Sarita Akhtar Staying Healthy Over the Holidays! The holidays are the most looked forward to time of year. Children smiling faces glistening, cakes galore, are you listening? It seems as if all of what we preach throughout the year in terms of being healthy gets literally thrown out at this time of the year. Now, during the holidays we must not only stay healthy physically but we must remember not to neglect ourselves emotionally. It doesn’t require many things. It is important to exercise. Being active help’s anyone feel better. It can be as simple as taking a run on the beach, a walk in the neighborhood or going for a swim. Exercising also helps you to detoxify your body of all of the toxins that you’ve put in it. Another critical component of staying healthy is relaxing. Relaxing is critical to stay healthy because your body needs rest. You must take time for you, whether it is sitting on a bench somewhere, or under a tree, it is important to make that time for yourself. It will benefit you to practice meditation, yoga or stress-relieving breathing techniques. If you are really lucky, you may even have time to take a nap. The holidays are known for making families stressed out over Christmas present buying. A good technique to avoid stress this holiday is to plan your shopping in advance. Start by writing a list of all the presents you need to buy. Organize where you can buy these gifts and try to shop at stores that you can buy most of the gifts from, this will help you avoid crowds. Remember to make healthy choices this Christmas season when attending holiday gatherings and parties. Remember to eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. If you do like enjoying Christmas treats, limit your portion size. When getting desert, try to use a small plate and remember to take smaller portions. This is also a good trick to use when serving you food at the buffet. Use a small plate; this will help you avoid piling your plate with too much. At any gathering people usually like to have a drink, a glass of wine or a cocktail. Not only are these dangerous as they add up for the drivers, they are full of calories and sugar, which is not good for anyone. Try to keep it to a minimum and let one drink be your maximum. Drink it slow and enjoy it, then change your drink to water. You will feel better about yourself in the end. A sensible drink that many people enjoy is white wine spritzers, which mostly consist of seltzer water with white wine. They taste crisp and are very refreshing. Throughout the holiday, remember to drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated. If you do drink alcohol, remember to alternate every alcoholic drink with a glass of water and please don’t drink on an empty stomach. Best to have a healthy snack before you go to the party as it will also prevent you from snacking on unhealthy party food. The most important part of being stress free and relaxed is sleep. Get plenty of rest, 7-8 hours of sleep every night is a minimum. Sleep is a crucial part of your body’s rejuvenation process. Holidays can be tiring however it is important not to forget about you this holiday season...


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CrossroadsvCafe' A complete broadcast TV or videotape program designed to teach English to speakers of other languages, by depicting the lives of six characters, their backgrounds, challenges and struggles, which are typical of many ESL/ESOL learners. Course components include: Part 1: 13 half-hour programs, Part 2: 13 half-hour programs, two photo story books, two worktexts, two teacher's resource books, partner guide (optional), reproducible masters (optional) and student assessment packages (optional) http://intelecom.org/abe-resources/overview or http://www.ketadultlearning.org/esl/crossroads_cafe.htm In the English Corner: Grammar and punctuation has more than 50 free videos (with quiz questions and companion notes) to help advanced ESL learners and others improve their writing skills. http://www.youtube.com/user/InTheEnglishCorner Diana Satin’s Video Links. Diana Satin is an adult ESOL teacher and ESOL professional development provider. She teaches in face-to-face classrooms and online. You can look at her collection of primarily ESOL/ESL videos, some for students, some for professional development, at https://delicious.com/dsatin/video?page=1 Learn American English Online: English Lessons on Video http://www.learnamericanenglishonline.com/Video%20Lessons.html English with Jennifer, a site for language learners. This web site is an index to the JenniferESL YouTube web site, http://www.englishwithjennifer.com/youtube_videos.html I collect free online video adult instructional web sites on the Literacy List. http://newsomeassociates.com or specifically at http://home.comcast.net/~djrosen/newsome/ literacylist.html Many of the ESOL/ESL video instruction web sites described here were suggested by teachers. If you have an English language video web site to recommend, email it to me at djrosen123@gmail.com ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

David J. Rosen was the Director of the Adult Literacy Resource Institute/SABES Greater Boston Regional Support Center, sponsored by the University of Massachusetts Boston, from 1986 to 2003. As the President of Newsome Associates, since 2003, he has provided consulting and professional development services to: The Philadelphia Youth Network, Youth Essential Services and the Center for Literacy for workshop presentations on GED2014® . The Massachusetts System for Adult Basic Education Support to design and offer for teachers in central Massachusetts technology training and professional development modules on integrating technology. Portland State University (Oregon) as a Regional implementation Advisor and trainer for the national Learner Web project, a blended learning model used by community colleges, One Stop Career Centers, and ABE programs in 10 states. Literacy Partners, a community-based adult literacy program in New York City, to assist with a shift to managed enrollment, and to integrate instructional technology. Georgia State University’s Center for the Study of Adult Literacy A partnership of international funders of children’s literacy on the design of an international competition to advance children’s reading skills through the use of technology YouthBuild International for a multi-year vocational training program for out-of-school youth in Haiti, including establishment of digital literacy centers in YouthBuild vocational training centers Dr. Rosen has also made many presentations and keynote speeches at national and state adult education conferences on integrating technology in adult education. A complete list of these will be found in his resume at http://newsomeassociates.com


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Important Reminders Adjunct Faculty Meeting January 7, 2014 6:30 P.M. INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE Main Campus McAlpin Fine Arts Theatre ALL ADJUNCT INSTRUCTORS MUST ATTEND AT LEAST ONE MEETING PER YEAR TO REMAIN ELIGIBLE TO TEACH The meeting will consist of a general session followed by a breakout session with your specific Dean and Department Chair who will discuss detailed information. Breakout Sessions will also allow you to ask any questions you might have about teaching in a specific part of the College, support issues, etc. For further information, contact the Office of Academic Affairs, at 772-462-7215

Spring Adjunct Faculty Meeting (for those who missed the Fall, 2013, meeting in August To All New Adjuncts: You’re Invited! “Meet and Greet” - Meet your new mentors Tuesday, January 7, 2014 (Prior to Spring Adjunct Faculty Meeting) Black Box Theatre (Main Campus) 5:45 – 6:15 PM

Words of Wisdom "The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here. The way to be happy is to make others so." Robert G. Ingersoll

EASY LINKS Ventures New website Ventures Professional Development "Three Tips for Reviewing Grammar" Written by Lynn Savage

ECO

Wise

Ecofriendly Gift Ideas

Language Adventures Click the image below to access a very interesting article published in The New Yorker about “the battle over the way we should speak,” by Joan Acocella.


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Techno Tips by Suzanne Ensmann Happy Holidays! Give the gift of impacting a loved one, colleague or student by teaching them the value of civic engagement. Want a fun way to do it? Check out iCivics! What’s that you say? “iCivics is a non-profit organization dedicated to reinvigorating civic learning through interactive and engaging learning resources… educational resources empower teachers and prepare the next generation of students to become knowledgeable and engaged citizens. Founded and led by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, iCivics provides students with the tools they need for active participation and democratic action, and teachers with the materials and support to achieve this… free resources include print-and-go lesson plans, award-winning games, and digital interactivities.” So what does that have to do with you? Check out their Mission: “We envision a nation… prepared for active and intelligent citizenship”. Aren’t we looking for the same in our community? Aren’t we looking for the same in our students? Then, get started by empowering our students with iCivics and engage them in some fun with civics! How? 1. Play to learn! 2. http://www.icivics.org/games 2. Spark competition! (Have them post it to our FB page: www.Facebook.com/irscAECP 3. Incorporate the FREE resources into your classroom! http://www.icivics.org/teachers

Oh, and if you win… iCivics will donate $1,000 to the winning project targeted to make a positive impact! Enjoy! Suz PS: The cost is… FREE. (No credit card required; no blood donation suggested; simply unequivocally FREE!) So, tell me how you are making a difference in the lives of our students with iCivics today!


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POTPOURRI CORNER By Paula DiBartolomeo

Less vs. Fewer ~ When is Each Appropriate? I am truly amazed at how often the word “less” is used in lieu of “fewer.” This seems to be a trend. It never ceases to amaze me how many well-educated people: political pundits, political figures, academics, news anchors and reporters, just to name a few, misuse the word “less.” Too often, in print, advertising, commercials and other media, one sees or hears the word “less” used when “fewer” would be the appropriate choice. It seems as if I hear this at least once a day, if not more. When I do, it is as if someone is running his fingernails across an old-fashioned chalkboard! Perhaps the word “fewer” seems a little formal. However, there is a distinction on when one or the other should be used. I fear that the word “fewer” will soon become extinct in our lexicon if we are either too lazy or uninformed to use it. And that is truly a shame. Language is a beautiful thing and should be valued! The following are some excellent websites to explain the difference between the words and when you use each: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/qanda/data/faq/topics/LessorFewer.html http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/words/less-or-fewer http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/fewer-vs-less-2

May each of you enjoy a wonderfully joyous holiday season with LESS stress and FEWER calories!!

Understanding the World of Adults with Learning Disabilities Learning To Achieve 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"

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Enter the Enrollment key = LTARRCII

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Upon module completion and survey completion you will receive a certificate.

Please contact Anneliesse Prahl at: aprahl@irsc.edu or (772) 462-7398 for additional information and for face to face training.

English Language Learner University 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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Rankont Kreyol Under Paul Sanchez’s leadership, Rankont Kreyol held its first event for the Fall semester on Thursday October 17th at the Blackburn Educational Building.

A time our ESL Haitian students have to talk and share language and culture. Stay tuned for future events.

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

IF YOU HAVE NEWS TO TELL OR BEST PRACTICES TO SHARE, THE ESL NEWSLETTER IS THE BEST WAY WE ARE ON THE WEB


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