CALENDAR 2014

E d If you find yourself saying But I cant speak English try adding the word yet.
Jane Revell
This Calendar 2014 is intended to remind teachers of ELL students the challenges ELLs face in learning to write in English. Each month includes of a picture related to English as a second language, a small sentence explaining a challenge ELLs face since writing is the most difficult language skill to master and a tip for teachers to help ELLs to avoid translated writing and promote thinking in English.

Challenge:

English Language Learners have a limited vocabulary. Content is restricted to vocabulary. Tip:

They repeat the same words and phrases again and again.

Use graphic organizers to introduce the skill of arranging information for writing.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

1 2 9 16 23 30 3

FRIDAY

SATURDAY
4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

8 15 22 29

10 17 24 31

Challenge:

Verb tenses are inaccurate. ELLs will usually write in the present tense. Tip:

Specifically model good writing from texts at the learner ! s English Language level. For example, to demonstrate a specific skill such as writing a good the same topic. opening paragraph, have students examine opening paragraphs in books on

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY
1

2 9 16 23

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

8 15 22

Challenge:

ELLs are reluctant to use invented spelling and content is restricted to words They know how to spell. Tip:

Don ! t expect students who are not fluent in English to self-edit. more hands-on with the writing of their non-native speakers.

They will not usually find their mistakes. Teachers will have to be

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY 1

SATURDAY

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

8 15 22 29

Challenge:

The chaotic structure and grammar of students! composition make their writing difficult to understand. Tip: Allow students to journal; it will help students to create ideas, which will then lead to bettering their writing and build fluency.

SUNDAY

MONDAY 1

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY 2 9 16 23 30 3

THURSDAY 4 11 18 25

FRIDAY 5

SATURDAY

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

8 15 22 29

10 17 24

12 19 26

Challenge: When ELLs read their writing aloud, they have no sense of what sounds right and what doesn!t.

Tip: Let ELLs work in pairs to edit work. It is also a good practice for social skills.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY 1

FRIDAY 2 9 16 23 30

SATURDAY 3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

8 15 22 29

Challenge: In many cultures, students are not encouraged to express their opinions. ELLs may have little experience with creative writing to bring from their native language. TIP: More time should be spent in the pre-writing stage. It is better for ELLs to develop a topic orally with a small group. SUNDAY 1 8 15 22 29 MONDAY 2 9 16 23 30 TUESDAY 3 10 17 24 WEDNESDAY 4 11 18 25 THURSDAY 5 12 19 26 FRIDAY 6 13 20 27 SATURDAY 7 14 21 28

Challenge: Students are reluctant to share their work during peer editing. When they do share, they prefer to work with other ELLs who may not provide appropriate feedback. Tip: Use sentences on your organizer rather than phrases. ELLs sometimes find it difficult to go from notes to comprehensible sentences. SUNDAY MONDAY 1 6 13 20 27 7 14 21 28 8 15 22 29 TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 2 9 16 23 30 3 10 17 24 31 THURSDAY 4 11 18 25 FRIDAY 5 12 19 26 SATURDAY