Recycle it! Lessons and Learning in beginning ESL

My Assumptions Students comprehend more when learning is connected to the outside world Students comprehend more when learning is connected to the outside world By using authentic materials, It is possible to introduce more content earlier in the ESL pathway. By using authentic materials, It is possible to introduce more content earlier in the ESL pathway. Recycling a larger theme/topic throughout the quarter would create more interest and connections with the language. Recycling a larger theme/topic throughout the quarter would create more interest and connections with the language.

problem posing- Students generated a lot of questions and possible solutions! We used their work to create the PowerPoint (student generated script is included in the curriculum handout).

Please help us! We are collecting paper, aluminum cans, and cardboard in our classroom We are going to take everything the recycling center!

Thank you This has been an ESL level 1 and level 2 production This has been an ESL level 1 and level 2 production

The Field Trip

We sorted and weighed our recycling. We gathered 50lbs or paper and 1lb of aluminum to take to the recycling center.

Digital Camera Scavenger Hunt

Find a sign that has information about the place you are visiting and take a picture.

Find a warning sign

Look for a sign that gives information and take a picture.

Take a picture of your classmate.

Take a picture of something you can recycle.

Find an employee and ask if you can take their picture.

Result Increased confidence observed- especially in oral communication Increased confidence observed- especially in oral communication Increase noted in (strands of reading) vocabulary/alphabetics/ comprehension/fluency Increase noted in (strands of reading) vocabulary/alphabetics/ comprehension/fluency Change in classroom behavior! Change in classroom behavior! Retention or students Retention or students average reading gain 4.9 average reading gain 4.9 average listening gain 5.8 average listening gain 5.8 the highest gains were in level 1 We had fun and learned a lot about the power of making choices!

Sustainable Walla Walla Our goal should be to leave nothing for someone else to clean up.

Principles of Paulo Freire’s Problem Posing used in the creation of this Unit. Principles for success Principles for success Learning goes from whole to part Learning goes from whole to part Classes are student centered Classes are student centered Learning is meaningful and purposeful Learning is meaningful and purposeful Learning takes place in social interaction Learning takes place in social interaction Reading, writing, speaking, listening develop together Reading, writing, speaking, listening develop together Lessons support students’ first language and culture- lessons integrate students prior knowledge. Lessons support students’ first language and culture- lessons integrate students prior knowledge. Faith in the learner expands learning potential Faith in the learner expands learning potential Taken from: Freeman,Yvonee and Freeman,David.ESL/EFL Teaching Principles for Success.NH:Heinemann,1998 Taken from: Freeman,Yvonee and Freeman,David.ESL/EFL Teaching Principles for Success.NH:Heinemann,1998 Problem Posing Problem Posing The code is the whole story picture, or film. The code is the whole story picture, or film. The code is based on the learner’s lives The code is based on the learner’s lives Learners identify and solve real-life problems. Learners identify and solve real-life problems. Students move from talking to reading and writing about problems. Students move from talking to reading and writing about problems. Lessons build on the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the learners. Lessons build on the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the learners. The goal is to empower learner- to develop their faith in themselves. The goal is to empower learner- to develop their faith in themselves.