Beginning ESL Syllabus

Textbook: Side By Side (Longman)

Voices in Literature (Heinle & Heinle)

Course Description: This class will allow students to develop Basic English vocabulary and grammatical structures so that they can successfully communicate. Also, students will develop literary and analytical skills which will enable them to be successful in future courses.

Specific units are described in the scope and sequence on the following pages. Every unit will develop students’ Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing skills:

Listening: Students will listen to English from native speakers via their teacher and other media. They will also listen to English spoken by their peers. They must focus their attention on the speaker’s message in order to comprehend and produce a meaningful response.

Speaking: Students will have the daily opportunity to practice speaking in structured conversations with their peers. Also, there will be several projects which require the students to present information to the class using newly acquired English skills.

Reading: Students will be reading a variety of modified texts, including short stories, poetry, and expository writing, with guidance and support from their teacher and peers. Students will learn various strategies to help them comprehend a text in their second language. They will also learn analytical skills necessary to interpret both literature and images.

Writing: Students will be writing on a daily basis, practicing the grammar structures and the new vocabulary. They will write a variety of personal narratives, descriptions, reports, poems, and reflections based on the literature. They will also have the opportunity to create their own works of creative fiction in response to various texts.

 

Students will be visiting the computer lab on a weekly basis to practice English using the ReadingSmart software.

Grading: Grades will be calculated as follows:

10% Journal 50% Assignments & Quizzes 30% Tests & Projects

10% Homework

Beginning ESL: Scope & Sequence

Grammatical Concepts Vocabulary Units Reading & Literature Focus

First 6-weeks To be: introduction Subject Pronouns

Present Continuous Tense

Introductions Personal

Information Locations

Everyday Activities

Literal v. Figurative

Components of a Story Identifying Main Idea Identifying Theme

Making Applications

Second 6-weeks Possessive Adjectives Adjectives Possessive Nouns

Prepositions of Location

Everyday Activities (cont.)

Describing People and Things

Weather Family Members

Describing Events & Activities

Characterization Point of View

Using Context Clues

Third 6-weeks Prepositions There is/There are Singular/Plural

This/That/These/Those

Places Around Town

Clothing

Colors

Reading Expository Text

Connecting to World Culture

Conflict & Resolution Characterization

The Epic Hero

Fourth 6-weeks Simple Present Tense Object Pronouns Have/Has

Adverbs of Frequency

Languages & Nationalities

Habitual Actions People’s

Interests & Activities

Describing People

Predicting/Foreshadowing Making Inferences Recognizing Irony Tone Creating Suspense

Imagery

Feelings & Emotions

Fifth 6-weeks Can Have to Future: going to

Want to

Abilities Occupations Expressing

Obligations Invitations Telling Time

Ailments & the Doctor’s Office

Describing Events

Setting and Scene Using Effective Dialogue Dramatic Irony

The Characteristics of a Drama

Sixth 6-weeks Regular Past Tense Irregular Past Tense Wh- questions

To be: past tense

Reasons & Excuses

Television Commercials

Describing Physical States & Emotion

Biographies & Autobiographies

Symbolism

Interpreting Elements of Design

Recognizing Propaganda Persuasive Techniques Researching Information Identifying Historical Context