Reviews

Endorsed by CTA
We are featured on page 13 of the September 2009 issue.

On February 18, 2011 Jessica wrote…

I am returning to the classroom after a 10 year hiatus. It’s overwhelming how much technology has changed in the past decade! I am used to the good ‘ole projector complete with messy transparencies covered with Vis-a-Vis markers. Yuck! When I started substituting a few months ago, I found a thing called “Elmo” in nearly every classroom I was in. At first I thought the kids and staff were talking about that annoying, red furred little monster of Sesame Street fame that my two-year-old is in love with. But, after playing around with it a bit, I was able to use the document camera quite easily. Now I find that I incorporate it into nearly every lesson. How did I ever manage without my buddy Elmo a decade ago? It is simply amazing. Thanks so much for the list of 50 ideas for using document cameras, particulary the ones pertaining to the elementary level. Can’t wait to give them a try!

– Teaching in Nebraska

On 2/1/2011 A. Smith, a teacher in Pennsylvania, responded to the February, 2011 newsletter:

As I watched the video of differentiation in a math class,

“…the beginning ELL’s do not receive the attention that is so needed. I observe the classrooms on a regular basis and I truthfully do not know how content teachers do it….We have students who come from refugee situations, not (sic) prior schooling, no literacy in language one. What do I tell the teachers?

“…We have teachers who have taken the time to become ESL certified, but they cannot take the time to make materials or individually instruct.  

“How do we teach a child who cannot read about the Constitution?  About the laws of
physics? It is so very difficult and teachers truly feel their hands are tied.

“I am glad that you have tackled the topic (in the February newsletter)… it is imperative that schools meet the needs of these students.  Thank you!”

 July 14, 2011

I PASSED!

Today, I received my CTEL scores from Dec. I passed the exam! Thank you very much for all of your help. All of the videos and Power Point Presentations were essential, and covered all of the material on the exam.
P.L.

Hi Denise-
Thank you for all your input.  I really feel good about completing this course, considering that I have never taught and I did this while having my 3 mo. twin girls at home!!!  I really learned a lot that I know will help me in my job eventhough I don’t teach I now have a better understanding of the educational system.  This was a very worthwhile experience for anyone working in the school system eventhough they may not be directly in the classroom.  Is there anything else I need to do on my part?
Thanks again for all your words of encouragement!
Monica P.

I really like your ideas of the centers and the color coded assignments. I also like the programs you want to use. Have you ever thought about writing a grant for the things you need. It seems like you have all of the components of proposal… What is the project? Who will use it? How will it be implemented? You have shown the percentage of your school; your school results. Check your school and your district and find out about writing grants. I think you may have some luck there.
Posted by Lionel to Teaching Successes with ELLs at November 24, 2010 9:17 AM