Reflection

My experience as an ESL instructor so far is a blessing. By the end of this session all my students passed their final exams and were passed onto the next higher level of English. It was memorable when I handed my students their grades and they asked to take a picture of me with them and thanked me and asked if I could be there teacher for the next session. I learned so much in teaching a English language learner. I learned that speaking slowly, writing on the board, and showing visuals is important for them. I learned that incorporating their language or their culture to the lesson means so much to them, it shows an act of kindness, and they appreciate it, they see that you took time to write words in their language to help them understand the concept easier. I learned that it takes patience, flexibility, creativity, and passion to educate students. Most of all, I learned that even though we all come from a different culture or speak a different language, a smile is a universal expression to make your ELL feel at ease, comfortable, and welcomed in your class. I look forward to my new students next session and I look forward to learning new ways of teaching and also learning from my students. I must admit I have found my calling in life and it feels great to study so hard and be able to get hands on experience of teaching and seeing the hard work that is put in, but I also get to see the rewards that come with teaching. I wouldn't give it up for any other career.

Definitions:

Culture- Noun- The customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group; also : the characteristic features of everyday existence (as diversions or a way of life} shared by people in a place or time

Language- Noun- The words, their pronunciation, and the methods of combining them used and understood by a community.

Universal- Adjective- Existent or operative everywhere or under all conditions.

Rewards- Verb- To give a reward to or for.

Instructor- Noun- One that instructs : teacher; especially : a college teacher below professorial rank.

Concept-Adjective- Organized around a main idea or theme.

Practice:

Using the words above place them in the correct space in the sentence below.

Someone who is teaches in the college level is know as an ________.

Sometimes the _____________in class can be confusing.

I believe that teaching comes with many__________.

Every one has a ___________that they use to communicate with others.

A smile is a ______________ expression.

Everyone belongs to a _________________.


Grammar:

A verb refers to an action.

For example: In early October, Giselle planted twenty tulip bulbs.

The boy jumped over the moon.

The girl ran to school.

Look over the reflection and write down at least 5 verbs you find in the reading. Write a sentence for each verb.

"A Window of Opportunity"

On October 26, 2010 I was sick in bed with the Flu. I had a fever of 102 and felt sore all over my body. The last thing I expected during these conditions would be a phone call that would open the doors to my career. Later that day my cell phone rings and it was Peter, the Assistant Supervisor of the international ESL program at Adelphi University. He told me that he heard from Amy, my classmate and friend, that I would be a perfect fit for their ESL teaching position. I admittedly got out of bed feeling dizzy and weak and forwarded Peter my resume. Two hours later Peter called me and told me I was hired and would need to start Monday morning. At that moment, my career path had changed and all my prayers were answered. I said to myself, “I can’t believe that I will be a teacher with no experience and no certification, this just sounds to be good to be true, but I am grateful for this opportunity.”

Definitions

Career- Noun- A profession for which one trains for.

Flu- Noun- Any of several virus diseases marked especially by respiratory or intestinal symptoms.

Classmate- Noun-A member of the same class in a school or college.

Dizzy- Adjective: Having a whirling sensation in the head with a tendency to falling.

Opportunity- Noun- A good chance for advancement or progress.

Sore- Adjective- Painfully sensitive : tender .



Practice: Using the words above place the word in the space that it fits in the sentence.

Sam and Sue are____________. They attend classes together and love to work together on projects. Any __________________ that comes they grab it so they can work together. They plan to major in the same_____________ once they graduate from college. One day Sam was feeling sick and felt that he was coming down with the ______. He went to the Doctor's office and told the Doctor his body felt ______________ and he also felt ___________. Unfortunately Sam and Sue had a big project due in class that upcoming week. Sue had to work on her own on the project with you Sams help, but Sue understood because Sam was sick and couldn't work on his conditions.


Grammar:

Noun: A noun refers to a person, a place, or a thing. Look over the reading and see how many nouns you can come up with.