Monday, June 4, 2012

Cover letter - lessons learned


            I am an aspiring English teacher interested in working overseas as an English instructor to advanced English students. I am native speaker of English from the Washington D.C. area. I have spent the past three months training to become a teacher through the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) practicum course at Ohio University. I have now completed the full course work as well as graduated from my university. I was able to teach class on my own for a two-hour class period for five weeks (as well as team teach with 2 other teachers for 4 weeks) while being observed and using that feedback to improve. I taught advanced English learners who were from a variety of backgrounds including Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, India, France, Chile, and Colombia. They were all adult learners and very eager to learn. I enjoyed my first teaching experience very much and learned a great deal.
            Before the practicum began I was very nervous to teach my first class. I had taught only a few sample lesson activities in a previous Linguistics course. I went into the course thinking about all the different techniques and historical teaching methods I had learned about in my studies. I thought I would want to try out many of them and I would be able to see how useful they were. Although, I did find methods to be important, what I found to be the most important focus was the student's needs. I enjoyed working with the students each class and at the end finding out if they though the lesson was useful and what they might like to learn in a future class.
            I think over time my teaching style certainly improved. I was able to converse more easily with my students by the end of the quarter. At the start I had trouble projecting my voice as well as hearing the students and often referred to the lesson plan. In later classes I spoke louder and moved closer to students and listened closely. At the beginning of the quarter I was a bit shy to correct the students or interrupt their speech or reading. Over time I was able to discern the best time to perhaps recast certain phrases or polite ways to correct student work. Using the board to correct work with out specifying certain students was a simple technique I liked to utilize. Some of the grammar points were difficult for even me so I always had to take the time to prepare in advance so that I could answer any question posed to me. Even when fully prepare however there were sometimes questions I didn't know the answers to so I was always sure to find out and come back later with an answer. I think by the end of the quarter I had a nice rapport with my students and they felt more comfortable sharing their lives during class discussions.
            What I enjoyed most about teaching was seeing the students finally understand a new grammar concept or correctly recall the meaning of a vocabulary term that had been covered weeks before. Sometimes when covering a particularly tough grammar point the students would not be able to fully utilize the structure until the second or third time reviewing it, but the happiness the students expressed was well worth the time and diligence to make sure they full understood. I also thoroughly enjoyed class discussions when students were able to offer their opinions. Students were able to practice their speaking and seemed to enjoy themselves at the same time. I believe that if the students are actively engaged and enjoying a lesson they will be able to retain the target information for a longer time. 

Power point to accompany invitations lesson







Lesson plan - Invitations and making plans


English For All – CLASS NAME: ADVANCED
DATE: Thursday, May 3, 2012
Teacher(s): Emily

Lesson Objectives
-             SWBAT discuss a reading selection to demonstrate comprehension.
-             SWBAT discuss and role-play accepting and declining invitations and making plans.
-             SWBAT demonstrate understanding of previous lessons through review work.
Materials
-             TB handouts, P. 131-132
-             PowerPoint
Procedure
Note: the numbered titles are all bold faced.  All other bold-faced words are to be written on the blackboard.  Words in quotations are to be spoken by the teacher.  Materials are underlined. Include the time allotted for each activity.

1. WARM UP (Time allotted: 5 min.)

Objective:
-
SWBAT ready to participate and get started with class and demonstrate that they remember yesterday’s lesson.

Procedure:
- T asks Ss about how their day is going or weekend plans.
- Ss respond briefly.
- T may ask further questions to encourage Ss to provide more information.
           
Evaluation:
- T will be sure that all Ss are able to participate and that they recall yesterday’s material.

TRANSITION (to the next activity)
- T: “Alright we’re going to continue with some of our lesson from yesterday since we ran out of time. We're going to read about Alexis. She has written about some of her regrets and doubts about how her relationship with Peter ended.”

2. READING ACTIVITY (Time allotted: 10 min.)
Objective: SWBAT read and then discuss a selection to demonstrate comprehension.

Procedure:
- T: “Before we read, let’s discuss some key words that are in the story.”
- T shows the slide with the key words.
- T: “Look at these and see if there are any that you don’t know.”
- T gives Ss a minute to look over the words and then calls on Ss to define/explain them. T will do so when Ss cannot. [Pre-reading activity]
- T: “Alright everyone, looks like we’re ready to get started. I want you to read this on your own, and you can take about 3 minutes to do that, then get with your partner and discuss the two questions below the story. If you don’t know what a word means, call it out and we can go over it.”
- T helps Ss with unknown vocabulary as they read silently.
- T: “Okay, go ahead and discuss the questions with your partner. Make sure to use the unreal conditional clause format.”
- T monitors Ss’ discussions and helps them when necessary.
- T: “Okay, so what did you and your partner discuss?”
- T calls on a few Ss to share what they discussed about the story.
- T: “Great job everyone!”
           
Evaluation
- T will monitor Ss as they work and help them out when necessary.

TRANSITION (to the next activity)
- T: “Okay everyone, now we’re going to have a quick discussion in pairs based on this activity.”

3. READING DISCUSSION (Time allotted: 10 min.)
Objective:
- SWBAT talk about a big decision they made using the unreal conditional clause form.

Procedure:
- T: “Now I want you to talk to your partner about your own life just like Alexis did. Think about a time when you made a big decision and how that affected your life. I know some of you might have had these discussions at home with your family already, so if you have that's great too. This will be some extra practice for you.”
- T provides her example on the slide.
- T: “I want you to talk to your partner about a time in your life when you made a big decision. Tell them what happened, what you could have done differently and how your life might be different if this situation had been different. Make sure you’re using the unreal conditional clause structure we’ve been working on. If you're confused, the directions are up on the powerpoint and at the bottom of page 131 of your handouts. Are there any questions about what you’re supposed to do? Good let’s get started!”
- T monitors partner conversations and corrects Ss when necessary.
- T: “Great job everyone! Did you learn something new about your partner today? I hope so! It never hurts to learn something new. Who can share what they learned about their partner or what they told their partner about themselves?”
- T selects volunteers to share information, correcting grammar/pronunciation when necessary.
           
Evaluation
- T monitors partner conversations and corrects Ss when necessary.

TRANSITION (to the next activity)
- T: “Great work everyone. It's fun to learn about why people do the things they do. Now we're going to spend the rest of class discussing invitations and making plans."

4. CATEGORIZING INVITATION RESPONSES (Time allotted: 15 min.)
Objective:
-
SWBAT discuss accepting and declining invitations.

Procedure:
-       T: “Yesterday, you all did an activity where you learned about Clark and the women that turned him down for a date to the movies. Today, we're going to discuss Mark. He really wants a date for Friday night and has asked many women if they would like to go with him. Let's look at Activity A at the top of page 132 of your handouts. Could someone read the directions there for me?"
-       S responds and reads aloud
-       T: "Okay so with your partners you're going to discuss which girls are interested, which ones maybe would like to go, and those who are definitely not interested in going on a date with Mark. Take about 10 minutes and fill in your answers. Does everyone understand?"
-       If Ss are confused T does first one with them.
-       Ss work and T monitors and helps as needed.
-       T: "Okay, it look's like everyone is about done. I've written 1-8 on the board each person come up and write your answers in."
-       Ss write and T clarifies correct answers and asks Ss why they got those answers as needed

Evaluation
- T will ensure Ss have the correct answers for their activity and understand why the answer is right.

TRANSITION (to the next activity)
- T: “Good everyone. Poor Mark, a lot of girls turned him down, but a few said yes. Now we're going to do an activity where we decide what Mark should to the girls."

5. CATEGORIZING INVITATION RESPONSES (Time allotted: 10 min.)
Objective:
-
SWBAT discuss accepting and declining invitations.

Procedure:
- T: “When you're discussing with someone whether or not you want to go on a date with them it's important to be polite. In Activity B Mark has some responses that he is going to use to answer the girls in Activity A. Could someone read he instructions for us?"
- S volunteers and reads aloud
- T: "Thank you, so with a different partner now match which of Mark's replies you think would be appropriate to the girl's responses to Mark's first invitation for a date. Does everyone understand what we're doing?"
- If Ss are confused T clarifies what some of the responses indicate, whether the response is to a girl who's interested, maybe interested, or not interested.
- T: "Good work, let's look at these together now."
- Ss go over answers verbally and T asks questions and clarifies explanations for answers as needed while trying to allow the Ss to clarify as much as possible.
- T: "Nice job everyone, let's take a 10 minutes break now."

Evaluation
- T will ensure Ss have the correct answers for their activity and understand why the answer is right.

10 MINUTE BREAK

TRANSITION (to the next activity)
- T: “So we've seen how Mark handles planning for the weekend. Now let's practice making our own plans."

6. PLAN IDEAS  (Time allotted: 15 min.)
Objective:
-
SWBAT create and rank possible plans for a weekend.

Procedure:
- T: “In Athens, there's lots of thing you can do on the weekends, especially since the weather is so nice now. You can see a movie at the Athena Grand. You can have lunch at Casa Nueva. You can even go to the beach at Stroud's Run. What are some of you favorite things to do in Athens?"
- Ss respond and T guides discussion
- T: "Those all sound like a lot of fun. In Activity C we're going to write in some possible plans. Can someone read the directions there?"
- S volunteers and reads aloud
- T: "So here we're going to fill in the blanks on the left with some specific things like a particular movie or a sport you like to watch. It doesn't have to be a real event this weekend. And on the right side you're going to rank them 1-5 with one being the thing you most want to do and 5 being the thing you least want to do. On the power point I filled out the chart myself. If you're confused you can try looking at my answers or just ask. Let's take about 5 or 10 minutes to do this on your own."
- Ss work and T monitors
- T: "Okay, let's come back together now. It looks like everyone has some fun weekends planned."

Evaluation
- T will ensure each S has filled in the chart with relevant information.

TRANSITION (to the next activity)
- T: “So now that you all have some great activities you can do on Saturday we're going to see if we can find someone to do the activities with us. Because our weekends are just more fun when we're with someone else right?"

7. MAKING PLANS  (Time allotted: 15 min.)
Objective:
- SWBAT role-play making plans.
- SWBAT create and rank possible plans for a weekend while using vocabulary phrases.

Procedure:
- T: “So now we're going to take our plans and see if we can get someone to do it with us. Can someone read the directions for Activity D?"
- S volunteers and reads aloud
- T: "Good, so you'll have about 10 minutes to go around the class and find one person who will do each activity with you. Remember when someone asks you to do something with them only accept invitations for your top 2 activities. It's okay if their type of lecture or movie is different from yours, if it's the activity you ranked 1 or 2, you should accept their invitation. For the activities you ranked 3-5 I want you to politely decline. And most importantly, I want you to use the phrases from Activity B to either accept or decline. Make sure to write down the names of the people who accept your invitations. If you get lost the directions are on the power point. Does everyone understand?"
- Ss work in groups and T monitors discussions and reminds them to target phrases.
- T: "Okay, let's come back together now. Good work everyone. It sounds like you have your weekends all planned out."

Evaluation
- T will monitor discussions and ensure each Ss is using the target phrases.

TRANSITION (to the next activity)
- T: “So now that you have some great plans for the weekend and unfortunately we have to break them. Or at least practice breaking them."

8. BREAKING PLANS  (Time allotted: 20 min.)
Objective:
-
SWBAT create and use excuses.

Procedure:
- T: “Sometimes we make plans with people and then something comes up so you can't do what you promised you would do. When this happens, we make an excuse to the person we promised we would do something. An example would be 'I'm sorry Sally. I know I promised to go to the mall with you Saturday, but my mom is making me clean my room so I can't come.' Can I have a volunteer read Activity E's instructions."
- S volunteers and reads aloud
- T: "Thank you, so unfortunately we have to cancel our Saturday plans. We'll have about 10 minutes so you can go back to all the people you promised to do something with this weekend and tell them you can't come. We're going to be using the phrases listed in Activity E to do this. They're also up on the power point. Does everyone understand how to use these?"
- Ss and T discuss as needed
- Ss work in pairs and break their plans, T monitors and guides
- T: " Great work everyone. It can be sad to have to make excuses because we don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but sometimes we're forced to break plans. Who thinks they came up with a really good excuse? Could you role play for the class?"
- Ss role play and T guides and repeats with other Ss

Evaluation
- T will monitor discussions and ensure each Ss is using the target phrases.

TRANSITION (to the next activity)
- T: “Nice work with those discussions everyone. Now we're going to do some fun review."

9. TIC-TAC-TOE GAME [Extra] (Time allotted: Whatever is left)
Objective:
- SWBAT provide definitions and use vocabulary words in a sentence

Procedure:
- T: "We're going to play a game called tic-tac-toe. Has anyone ever played this game?"
- Ss respond
- T clarifies what it is by drawing on the board and illustrating how one wins
- T: "So we're going to play this game with a twist. In each box we'll have a different vocabulary word. You'll have 30 seconds to think of either a definition for a word or use a word in a sentence. If you answer correctly, you can put an X or an O on that spot."
- T select words from the vocabulary list and fills in the tic-tac-toe boards
- T: "We're going to split the class into two teams and each person will take a turn. One team will be Xs and the other will be Os."
- T and Ss organizes teams
- T: "Okay let's look at our vocabulary on our power point from this past week. Are there any words that you just have no idea about their meaning?"
- Ss responds and T clarifies meanings
- Class beings games
- T: "Okay everyone I know we're having fun, but unfortunately we're all out of time today. Nice work defining and using the words in sentences!"

Evaluation:
- T will ensure that if the students make mistakes the definitions of the words are clarified and each student knows the correct definition and usage.

TRANSITION (to the end of class)
- T: “Nice work today! If you have the corrections you made to the papers that Tiffany handed back yesterday I can take those now. I hope you have a great weekend and I’ll see you all next week!”


Assessment
-     T will monitor Ss responses and correct for grammar/pronunciation when necessary.
-     T will encourage all Ss to participate so that everyone keeps up and shows understanding.
Anticipated Problems
-     Ss may not understand that the plans they're making don't have to be real events and they don't actually have to be available to go to them.
-     Ss have trouble deciding which girls seem interested in Mark and how to spot the differences needed to categorize the responses.


Power point to accompany review day lesson








Review day lesson plan - Covering embedded questions, word endings


English For All – CLASS NAME: ADVANCED
DATE: Thursday, April 26, 2012
Teacher(s): Emily

Lesson Objectives
- SWBAT demonstrate vocabulary knowledge by completing sentences using provided vocabulary.
- SWBAT select the correct word endings for a given set of vocabulary in a particular reading selection
- SWBAT recognize and produce embedded questions while speaking
- SWBAT correctly use the unit's vocabulary.


Materials
- Copies of TB, p. 126-7
- Power point
- YouTube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPZbMN9bICQ)
Procedure
Note: the numbered titles are all bold faced.  All other bold-faced words are to be written on the blackboard.  Words in quotations are to be spoken by the teacher.  Materials are underlined. Include the time allotted for each activity.

1. WARM UP (Time allotted: 5 min.)
Objective: Get Ss ready to participate and focused on the lesson.

Procedure:
- T will ask Ss how their day is going.
- Ss will respond.
- T may prompt Ss by asking more questions (weather, weekend plans, etc)
           
Evaluation:
- T will monitor oral productions and help Ss as necessary.

TRANSITION (to the next activity)
- T: “Great, it sounds like everyone is looking forward to the weekend. Yesterday, you all completed the last lesson from this unit. So today we're going to do some review. Don't worry if you're new or missed some days in the last two weeks, we'll work together to understand and complete the activities.”

2. REVIEW A (Time allotted: 25 min.)
Objective:
- SWBAT demonstrate vocabulary knowledge by completing sentences using provided vocabulary.

Procedure:
- T: “So this unit has been focused on traveling and vacations. Let's all look at our handouts of pg 126 at activity A. Could I have a volunteer to read the instructions?”
- S volunteers and reads aloud
- T: "Thank you, so in this activity we're taking the words about travel that are in the box and placing them in the sentences 1-7. Let's try doing number one together. Who would like to read the first sentence?"
- S volunteers and reads aloud
- T: "Okay, who thinks they know what goes in the blank?"
- Ss responds and T questions why they chose their answer
- T: "Great job, now let's look at the rest of the words, are there any that you've never seen before?"
- Ss respond and guides them to the meanings as needed
- When they come to the word travelogue, T plays short YouTube video about Colombus, Ohio to demonstrate what a travelogue is.
- T: "Okay, one last thing before you start. Does everyone know when to use a, an, or the?"
- Ss respond and T explains their use if needed
[Basically, an article is an adjective. Like adjectives, articles modify nouns.

English has two articles: the and a/an. The is used to refer to specific or particular nouns; a/an is used to modify non-specific or non-particular nouns. We call the the definite article and a/an the indefinite article.

the = definite article

a/an = indefinite article

For example, if I say, "Let's read the book," I mean a specific book. If I say, "Let's read a book," I mean any book rather than a specific book.

Remember, using a or an depends on the sound that begins the next word. So...

a + singular noun beginning with a consonant: a boy; a car; a bike; a zoo; a dog
an + singular noun beginning with a vowel: an elephant; an egg; an apple; an idiot; an orphan
a + singular noun beginning with a consonant sound: a user (sounds like 'yoo-zer,' i.e. begins with a consonant 'y' sound, so 'a' is used); a university; a unicycle
an + nouns starting with silent "h": an hour
a + nouns starting with a pronounced "h": a horse]
- T: "Good, let's take 5 to 10 minutes now and complete the exercises on your own. Don't forget to add the words a, an, or the before your word if it needs it."
- T monitors as Ss work and helps as needed.
- T: "Okay everyone, let's come back together and go through the answers. I've written the numbers on the board. If you think you know the answer come up and write the word."
- Ss write on chalkboard
- T corrects by asking students if they had a different answer so Ss decide as a class what the correct answer is
           
Evaluation
- T will ensure each student understands the definition of the new vocabulary. T will help ensure each student has the correct answer in each blank.

TRANSITION (to the next activity)
- T: “Nice work on that activity. I know some of the words might have been new, but don't you think they will be useful the next time you take a trip? Now we're going to read about someone who traveled all the way to Finland.”

3. REVIEW B (Time allotted: 20 min.)
Objective:
- SWBAT select the correct word endings for a given set of vocabulary in a particular reading selection

Procedure:
- T: "Okay let's all look now at the next activity on pg 126 of our handouts. Could someone read the instructions?"
- S volunteers and reads aloud
- T: "Okay so this activity is asking us to circle the correct word endings for an adjective. An adjective is a word that modifies a noun (person, place, or thing) or a pronoun (he, she, it, they, or a word that takes the place of a noun). Some times they end in -ed and sometimes they end in -ing. Before we circle the correct words we're going to read about a traveler. Let's each read one sentence in the paragraph."
- T directs who starts and who is to continue. T: "Does everyone understand?"
- Ss read aloud
- T discusses paragraph meaning and whether any word is unfamiliar, writing them on the board if needed
- T: "Okay so let's go over when to use the -ed ending and when to use the -ing ending." T explains.
[Adjectives that end in -ed are used to describe how people feel:
'He was surprised to find that he had been upgraded to first class.'
'I was confused by the findings of the report.'
'She felt tired after working hard all day.'

 '-ing' adjectives
Adjectives that end in -ing are used to describe things and situations. Compare these example sentences to the ones above:
'Being upgraded to first class is surprising.'
The findings of this report are confusing.'
'Working hard all day is tiring.']
- T: "Okay, are there anymore questions about word endings? Great, so now take about 5 minutes and look at numbers 1 through 4 with a partner and decide what word ending works best."
- Ss complete activity in pairs
- T: "Alright let's come back together. Who can tell me what the answer to number 1 is?"
- S volunteers and answers, T responds and guides as needed
- T repeats until activity is completed
-T: “Great work everyone. Is it more clear about when to use which ending now? Okay, let's take a 10 minute break now."

Evaluation:
- T will monitor oral productions in both reading. T will ensure understanding of ending usage by checking Ss answers.

10 MINUTE BREAK

TRANSITION (to the next activity)
- T: "Okay I hope everyone had a good break. So now we're going to use some of the words we learned last week when we talked about the Grand Canyon.”

4. REVIEW C (Time allotted: 15 min.)
Objective:
- SWBAT correctly use the unit's vocabulary.

Procedure:
- T: "So let's look at the next activity. On page 126 and 127 of your handouts you can see activity C is split up. Can I have a volunteer read the instructions at the bottom of page 126?"
- S volunteers and reads aloud
- T: "So this activity wants us to take the words from the box and place them in the correct blank in the sentences. Let's look over the words now. Are there any that you don't know?"
- Ss respond and T clarifies meanings
- T: "Okay let's take a few minutes now and fill in the blanks at the top of page 127. We're going to complete the activity on our own. However, if you get really stuck don't be afraid to ask my or your classmate for help. Now remember also to use a, an, or the if the word needs it like we did in activity A."
- Ss work and T monitors and helps as needed.
- T: "Alright, it looks like everyone is about done. Let's talk about the answers together. Who wants to read number one?"
- S volunteers and reads aloud. T guides to correct answer as needed and writes the word on the board. (if time allows, T directs Ss to write answers)
- T continues this until activity is completed

Evaluation:
- T will ensure each student has the correct word in the blanks

TRANSITION (to the end of class)
- T: “Okay, nice work. It seemed like a lot of you remembered the words from our readings last week. Now we're going to do another fill in the blank exercise."

5. REVIEW D (Time allotted: 15 min.)
Objective:
- SWBAT correctly use the unit's vocabulary.

Procedure:
- T: "So let's look at the next activity. On page 127 you can see activity D. Can I have a volunteer read the instructions for activity D?"
- S volunteers and reads aloud
- T: "So this activity wants us to take the words from the box and place them in the correct blank in the sentences. Let's look over the words now. Are there any that you don't know?"
- Ss respond and T clarifies meanings
- T: "Okay let's take a few minutes now and fill in the blanks. We're going to complete the activity in pairs this time. Now remember also to use a, an, or the if the word needs it like we've been doing."
- Ss work and T monitors and helps as needed.
- T: "Alright, it looks like everyone is about done. Let's talk about the answers together. Who wants to read number one?"
- S volunteers and reads aloud. T guides to correct answer as needed and writes the word on the board. (if time allows, T directs Ss to write answers)
- T continues this until activity is completed

Evaluation:
- T will ensure each student has the correct word in the blanks

TRANSITION (to the next activity)
- T: "Wow we've done so much in class today! Now, let's have some fun and play a game to see who can remember some of our vocabulary words."

6. TIC-TAC-TOE GAME (Time allotted: 25 min.)
Objective:
- SWBAT provide definitions and use vocabulary words in a sentence

Procedure:
- T: "We're going to play a game called tic-tac-toe. Has anyone ever played this game?"
- Ss respond
- T clarifies what it is by drawing on the board and illustrating how one wins
- T: "So we're going to play this game with a twist. In each box we'll have a different vocabulary word. You'll have 30 seconds to think of either a definition for a word or use a word in a sentence. If you answer correctly, you can put an X or an O on that spot."
- T select words from the vocabulary list and fills in the tic-tac-toe boards
- T: "We're going to split the class into two teams and each person will take a turn. One team will be Xs and the other will be Os."
- T and Ss organizes teams
- T: "Okay let's look at our vocabulary on our powerpoint from the past two weeks. Are there any words that you just have no idea about their meaning?"
- Ss responds and T clarifies meanings
- Class beings games
- T: "Okay everyone I know we're having fun, but unfortunately we're all out of time today. Nice work defining and using the words in sentences!"

Evaluation:
- T will ensure that if the students make mistakes the definitions of the words are clarified and each student knows the correct definition and usage.


TRANSITION (to the end of class)
- T: “Alright everyone. That’s all for today. Great work with the review activities today. I hope you all now feel better prepared to take your next trip. I hope everyone has a great weekend. See you next week!”

Assessment
- T will monitor discussions.
- T will help Ss with completing sentences and ensure they have the correct answer.
- T will ensure Ss use correct word endings.
Anticipated Problems
- Ss may have trouble remembering embedded questions. T will guide discussion and ask if everyone understands before moving on.
- Ss may not recognize some of the vocabulary we didn't review during the week. T will ensure each word is explained thoroughly and each student has a chance to use any unfamiliar words.

Power point to accompany comforting language lesson













Lesson plan - Comforting language


English For All – CLASS NAME: ADVANCED
DATE: Thursday, May 17
Teacher(s): Emily

Lesson Objectives
- SWBAT recognize the difference between comforting language for serious and non-serious situations.
- SWBAT use the comforting expressions on p. 144 in various conversations.
Materials
- TB pg. 144, 118
- PowerPoint
Procedure
Note: the numbered titles are all bold faced.  All other bold-faced words are to be written on the blackboard.  Words in quotations are to be spoken by the teacher.  Materials are underlined. Include the time allotted for each activity.

1. WARM UP (Time allotted: 5 min.)

Objective:
-
SWBAT ready to participate and get started with class and demonstrate that they remember yesterday’s lesson.

Procedure:
- T asks Ss about how their day is going or weekend plans.
- Ss respond briefly.
- T may ask further questions to encourage Ss to provide more information.
- T mentions International Week events.
- T asks them one thing they remember from yesterday's class.
- Ss respond and T reminds them what they did if needed.
           
Evaluation:
- T will be sure that all Ss are able to participate and that they recall yesterday’s material.

TRANSITION (to the next activity)
T: “It seems like you all have some fun things planned for this weekend. Okay, so today's lesson we're going to continue with our theme of emergencies and disasters and practice some discussions you might have during a disaster."

2. DISCUSSION - COMFORTING OTHERS (PRE-READING) (Time allotted: 10 min.)
Objective:
- SWBAT discuss their experiences with using comfort language.

Procedure:
- T: “Yesterday, we talked about some major disasters you all have experienced. You talked about floods, earthquakes, and power outages. Today we're going to talk about some more emergencies and how we can comfort those that are going through them. There are different types of emergencies. There are smaller ones that are emergencies for just one person, like when someone injures themselves while exercising. Or bigger ones like when a group of people gets into a car accident. When these things happen to people we know we like to comfort them by offering words of encouragement. Can anyone think of a time when they comforted someone else in an emergency?"
- Ss volunteer and respond and T guides discussion
- T: "What kind of phrases do you think you might use to comfort someone?"
- Ss respond and T guides and offers examples if needed
- T: "There are a few different ways to comfort someone. One way is to reassure someone. Does anyone know what it means to reassure someone or have an example of a reassuring phrase?"
- Ss volunteer and respond
- T continues this with figuring out the situation, giving a solution, and checking the solution. T uses power point to illustrate meaning.
           
Evaluation
- T will try to get all Ss to respond, although they may not all have a time in their life where they needed to use the target language.

TRANSITION (to the next activity)
- T: “Thank you for sharing everyone. So you all have talked about some pretty scary times when you had to comfort someone who was hurt. Now we're going to look at a few conversations where people are comforting each other.”

3. READING ACTIVITY (Time allotted: 20 min.)
Objective:
- SWBAT identify comfort words and phrases within a text.

Procedure:
- T: “So if we look at page 144 of our handouts Activity A is at the top of the page there. Could I have a volunteer read the directions a loud for the class?"
- S volunteers and reads aloud
- T: "Thank you, so first I want you to just focus on reading Conversations 1 and 2. In pairs, read each conversation out loud, with one person playing one person and the other playing the other. So for instance. Hussain would read Josh's lines and Habiba - Rick's. So take about 5 minutes and read both the conversations together. If there are any words you don't know, just let me know and we can add them to our new vocabulary on the board."
- Ss read and T monitors and guides as needed
- T goes over any vocabulary meanings by asking everyone if they can explain the words to each other, if no one knows T will explain
- T: "Nice reading everyone. So who can tell me what was happening in Conversation 1?" T changes to next slide on the power point with images depicting the situations in the conversations.
- Ss volunteer and T clarifies if needed
- T repeats with 2nd conversation
- T: "Good, so while you were reading did everyone notice the underlined phrases? These phrases are what we're going to add to the chart below the conversations. We talked about the different types of categories earlier. Let's read the examples that are already in the chart together. Can I have a volunteer to read the phrases under 'Reassuring someone?" T displays chart from book on the power point.
- S volunteers and reads aloud
- T asks if they understand what each means and clarifies if needed
- T repeats this with the other 3 categories
- T: "Good, so let's take 5 minutes now and work on your own placing the underlined phrases in the appropriate category."
- Ss work and T monitors and helps as needed
- T: "Okay let's come back together now. Who knows what goes in the blanks under 'Reassuring someone?"
- S volunteers and T guides to correct answers as needed
- T repeats until all blanks have been answered
- T: "Good work. If you didn't catch some of the answers they're up on the power point now. So are there any other phrases you can think of that we could add to this chart?" T provides a few if needed (It's alright. Stay calm. Who might know what happened? I know how to make this better, let's do... Did that help?)
- Ss volunteer more phrases
- T: "Great work everyone. It's good to know these sorts of phrases if we are ever in a situation where we need to help someone who is going through a crisis."
           
Evaluation
- T will monitor Ss’ work and ensure each has the correct answers in the blanks.
- T will listen for use of these new phrases later in class.

TRANSITION (to the next activity)
- T: “So some phrases can more appropriate than others depending on the situation.”

4. COMFORT PHRASES DISCUSSION (Time allotted: 5 min.)
Objective:
- SWBAT recognize the difference between comforting language for serious and non-serious situations.

Procedure:
- T: “It's very important in an emergency situation to be as sensitive as possible. In serious situations the person that is affected can often feel vulnerable and so we need to speak to them carefully and kindly. What words from our chart do you think would be appropriate in a very serious situation? What kind of situation might that be?"
- Ss offer opinions and situations. T encourages critical thinking with questions like "What about that phrase makes you think that? and "Would that also work in a very minor emergency, like stubbing your toe on a door?"
- T continues discussion until everyone has had a chance to offer their opinions
- T: "Good, sometimes it can be difficult to gauge what is and is not appropriate, but we always need to try our best so that we don't hurt other people's feelings."
           
Evaluation
- T will listen for correct identification of serious and non-serious phrases.

TRANSITION (to the next activity)
- T: “So far we've been discussing how to comfort other people when they are in the middle of an emergency. Now we're going to practice what we would do ourselves in a crisis situation.”

5. ROLE-PLAY (Time allotted: 20 min.)
Objective:
- SWBAT use the comfort phrases and role-play stressful situations.

Procedure:
- T: “Take a look at page 144, Activity C. Can someone read the directions?”
- S volunteers and reads directions.
- T: “Thank you. So with your partner you're going to be pretending that one of the situations has happened to you. Then you have to decide who it would be best to call. One person will have the situation happen to them and the other will be the person that you call. Can I have a volunteer read the first emergency?”
- S volunteers and reads aloud
- T repeats this with 2 and 3
- T: "You'll have 10 minutes to have your discussions. If you are playing the person who answers the phone, make sure to use the phrases we learned about in Activity A. Also, make sure to role-play all 3 situations and that each person has at least one turn playing the person who answers the phone. If you forget the directions they will be up on the power point. Does anyone have any questions?"
- Ss work in pairs; T monitors.
- T: “Alright since everyone is about done let’s talk about how your discussions went. Who was able to use the comfort phrases?"
- Ss volunteer and T guides discussion (Did you find some solutions to the problems? How do you handle situations 1, 2, and 3? etc.)
- T: "Great job, it sounds like everyone's role-plays went well. Do you feel better prepared now if a minor emergency like these ever comes up?"
- Ss discuss
- T: "Good, let's take a 10 minute break now and come back ready to learn more."
           
Evaluation
- T will monitor pair discussions and listen for use of comfort phrases.

10 MINUTE BREAK

TRANSITION (to the next activity)
- T: “I hope you all had a nice break. We’re going to go ahead and come back together and get started now. Before the break we role-played stressful situations. We're going to continue role-playing now but with a twist.”

6. ROLE-PLAY (Time allotted: 10 min.)
Objective:
-  SWBAT use the comfort phrases and role-play stressful situations.

Procedure:
- T: “Let’s take a look at Activity D. Could I have a volunteer to read the directions.”
- S volunteers and reads aloud
- T: "So we're going to do a similar role-play except you're going to come up with your own situations. Since we just had discussions about less serious situations, this time let's practice with a more serious situation. This can be a real situation you've gone through like an earthquake or other natural disaster, or a situation that you make up. So take a minute and write down what you'd like to discuss but don't show anyone." T displays directions on power point.
- S work and T monitors ensuring each situation is appropriate
- T: "Okay good, it looks like everyone has an emergency written down. With a different partner than you've been working with take about 5-7 minutes and role-play your discussions. Are there any questions?"
- Ss discuss in pairs and T monitors for use of comfort language
- T: “Alright since everyone is about done let’s talk about how your discussions went. Who was able to use the comfort phrases?"
- Ss volunteer and T guides discussion (Did you find some solutions to the problems? How do you handle situations? etc.)
- T: "Great job, it sounds like everyone's role-plays went well. Do you feel better prepared now if a major emergency like these ever comes up?"
- Ss discuss
           
Evaluation
- T will monitor pair discussions and listen for use of comfort phrases.

TRANSITION (to the next activity)
- T: “Great work with those role-plays everyone. Now we're going to focus our attention on some review. It's important to go back to things we've learned previously so we can remember them and make sure we still understand.”

7. EMBEDDED QUESTIONS ROLE-PLAY (Time allotted: 15 min.)
Objective:
- SWBAT recall embedded questions and how they are used.

Procedure:
- T: “So a couple of weeks ago we learned about embedded questions. Who remember what those are? Or can give me an example of one?"
- S volunteers and responds, T clarifies if needed
- T: "So if you'll look at your other handout on page 118 you'll see a chart talking about embedded questions and to tell regular questions from embedded questions. Who remember what embedded questions help us do?"
- S volunteers and responds (looking for make our speech more polite)
- T: "Good, so do you think embedded questions might actually be a good thing to use in emergency situations?"
- Ss respond
- T: "So what we're going to be doing now is another role-play. When a big emergency happens, how do you usually find out about it?"
- Ss respond and T guides towards news interviews
- T: "Yesterday we watched a video where a news anchor interviewed another reporter right after the reporter experienced the big 7.9 earthquake in Tokyo, Japan. We're going to pretend that we are news reporters that are reporting from a shelter during a hurricane. You are going to work with a partner to use embedded questions to find out what happened. One person will be playing the reporter and one person will be playing the person who evacuated from their home. If you look up on the power point there are some examples of how you can do this. Let's take 10 minutes with a new partner to do this. Make sure each person gets a chance to be the reporter. Does everyone understand?"
- Ss discuss and T monitors reminding them to use embedded questions and comfort language if it is lacking
- T: “Okay let’s come back together now and talk about how your discussions went. Who was able to use the embedded questions and comfort language?"
- Ss volunteer and T guides discussion (Did you find out everything you wanted to know?)
- T: "Great job, it sounds like everyone's role-plays went very well."
           
Evaluation
- T will listen for correct usage of embedded questions.

TRANSITION (to the next activity)
- T: “So hopefully everyone has a better understanding of embedded questions now. Let's move on now to a fun form of review.”

8. TIC-TAC-TOE (Time allotted: 15 min.)
Objective:
- SWBAT provide definitions and use vocabulary words in a sentence

Procedure:
- T: "We're going to play a game called tic-tac-toe. Has anyone ever played this game?"
- Ss respond
- T clarifies what it is by drawing on the board and illustrating how one wins
- T: "So we're going to play this game with a twist. In each box we'll have a different vocabulary word. You'll have 30 seconds to think of either a definition for a word or use a word in a sentence. If you answer correctly, you can put an X or an O on that spot."
- T select words from the vocabulary list and fills in the tic-tac-toe boards
- T: "We're going to split the class into two teams and each person will take a turn. One team will be Xs and the other will be Os."
- T and Ss organizes teams
- T: "Okay let's look at our vocabulary on our power point from this past week. Are there any words that you just have no idea about their meaning?"
- Ss responds and T clarifies meanings
- Class beings games
- T: "Okay everyone I know we're having fun, but unfortunately we're almost out of time for today. Nice work defining and using the words in sentences!"

Evaluation:
- T will ensure that if the students make mistakes the definitions of the words are clarified and each student knows the correct definition and usage.

TRANSITION
- T: “Before we go, let's review what we've learned today."

9. CLOSING DISCUSSION (Time allotted: 2-5 min.)
Objective:
- SWBAT recall the class's activities and target structures.

Procedure:
- T: "Who can tell me what we talked about today?"
- Ss responds and T guides discussion
- T: "What's one thing you learned to do?"
- Ss responds and T guides discussion
- T: "Great job, it's always helpful to think about what we did in class so we can use what we learned in the future."

Evaluation:
- T will listen for mention of comfort phrases and review of embedded questions.

TRANSITION (to the end of class)
- T: “Nice work today! Don't forget that International Week is this week. Tonight from 9 pm- 12 am is Craft night at the bottom of Baker and on Saturday from 11 pm- 5 pm is the International Street Fair on Court Street. I hope to see you all at either event! I hope you have a great weekend and I’ll see you all next week back in our usual room upstairs.”

Assessment
- T will be sure that all Ss are able to participate and that they recall yesterday’s material.
- T will try to get all Ss to respond, although they may not all have a time in their life where they needed to use the target language.
- T will monitor Ss’ work and ensure each has the correct answers in the blanks.
- T will listen for use of these new phrases later in class.
- T will listen for correct identification of serious and non-serious phrases.
- T will monitor pair discussions and listen for use of comfort phrases.
- T will listen for correct usage of embedded questions.
- T will ensure that if the students make mistakes the definitions of the words are clarified and each student knows the correct definition and usage.
- T will listen for mention of comfort phrases and review of embedded questions.
Anticipated Problems
- Ss may have trouble remembering how to use embedded questions. T will clarify their use and ensure each student understands through discussions.
- Ss may not recall readings fully. T will help Ss to summarize if they are struggling.
- Ss may have trouble determining which phrases to use in various situations. T will provide examples.
- Ss may have trouble having an extemporaneous conversation. T will guide by giving prompting questions.