October 2017 -  ELAA Connections
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In this Issue

Kate's Video
Class-in-Action Videos Exciting Podcast Tutor of the Month


katevideo
The Student-Centered Classroom (with special guest star!)


What is your ratio of Teacher Talk Time to Student Talk Time?  Click here  for the Teacher Talk Time reflection tool.

Interested in learning more about student-centered Teacher Talk?  Click here.

classinaction
Class-in-Action

What does student-centered teacher talk actually sound like? While watching these videos, pay attention to  what the teacher says and how they say it :
  • How many words?
  • What kinds of words?
  • How fast/slow?
Beginner:   http://bcove.me/34uc5nvp
Intermediate:   http://bcove.me/5p6grdyb
 
classcommunities
Student-Centered Class Communities

Click here  to learn how to engage students in creating their own ideal classroom community.  This is a great listening, speaking, reading, and writing activity that is adaptable for all levels of ELAA classes.  
app
Culips: New Podcast for Real English Practice

Are your students asking for ways to practice English outside of class ?  Try Culips ! Students just need to go to  https://esl.culips.com/  to access all of these podcasts: 

- Chatterbox: English conversations at normal speed
- Catchword:  Funny conversations about idioms, expressions, and slang
- Simplified speech: Natural conversations in slow, simplified speech (perfect for Beginners)
- Real Talk: Conversations that feature practical expressions needed in real world English.


How can you use audio tracks like these in class?  Click here for ideas!

Alejandro at the 49ers stadium in Santa Clarita, CA
 
What is your name, where are you from, and how long have you been an ELAA tutor?
My name is Alejandro Trujillo. I'm from Sonora, México. I am an Accountant and I've been an ELAA tutor for almost a year.
 
What is your favorite part of being an ELAA tutor? 
Being able to help my students and make them feel confident in every class is something I enjoy thoroughly. English is my second language, and I feel I can resolve their doubts easier because one day I was learning English as well.
 
Describe an inspiring story or person from your class.
There are always great success stories to share! One day one of my students was so excited to tell the whole class that for the first time she was able to understand and communicate completely in English at a Doctor's appointment. That made me proud.

Share a tip or example of a class activity that has been successful for you.
Even though the class is not all about grammar, I like to teach them a little grammar and pronunciation. For example, I know how hard learning the past tense is for them, especially the regular verbs, so, I made a handout about when to make the different sounds of the "Ed" part at the end of each verb. The different sounds are "d", "t" or "ed" depending whether the verb is a voiceless or voice sound at the end. They loved it, they felt it was very practical.

CE
Upcoming Continuing Education Opportunities

Sharing Circles
This informal session will be an opportunity to connect with other tutors, exchange ideas, and discuss successes and challenges.  Friday , October 13, 3-4:30, Literacy Connects.
 
Connect, Learn, and Grow at AZ-TESOL
AZ-TESOL is Arizona's largest professional organization for teachers of English to speakers of other languages.  The state conference is at the U of A this year!  Lucky us!  Teachers and volunteers from all over Arizona will be there to attend workshops, make connections, and pick up new teaching resources and ideas on October 20 and 21. Click here for more information and registration. 

Wordless Picture Books for English Language Learners
Do you have a multilevel class?  Are you looking for an engaging, motivating strategy that involves listening, speaking, reading, and writing?  If so, come learn about how to use wordless picture books (of which we have class sets in the LC lending library!) to engage all levels of ELAA learners in low-stress, communicative language practice!  RSVP here.

Identity, Power, and Privilege: Reflections on Serving our Students
Join Literacy Connects staff and volunteers on Saturday, November 18th for a morning of learning and reflection as we explore this powerful topic. This is a Literacy Connects-wide event and registration is on a first come, first served basis. Click here for more details and to register.

Community Event:  Refugee Resettlement Lecture Series

Join the International Rescue Committee for a lecture series regarding refugee resettlement.  Lectures will be on Tuesdays at Murphy-Wilmot Library.  Click here for topics and schedule.
Student Resource: Immigration Legal Services

When students ask us questions about immigration, it's hard to know how to respond.  We don't want to give inaccurate responses, but we want to make sure that students are getting the support they deserve.  The Immigration Advocates Network maintains a searchable Immigration Legal Services database.  You can search the database by ZIP code to find local organizations that provide legal assistance to immigrants.
quicklinks
Quick Links
Literacy Connects | 200 E. Yavapai Rd. Tucson, AZ 85705 | (520)882-8006 

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