January 2010
We know that many of you work with students and families from Haiti who are facing tremendous distress and uncertainty. In order to help you provide the support that they need, we have pulled together a number of resources that address the crisis. In addition, be sure to check out our new online community, state resources, and tips for ESL job interviews.
Dear Subscribers,
We know that many of you work with students and families from Haiti who are facing tremendous distress and uncertainty. In order to help you provide the support that they need, we have pulled together a number of resources that address the crisis. Please share this resource with your colleagues, administrators, and community members.
In addition, be sure to check out our new online community, state resources, and tips for ESL job interviews.
All the best for the New Year!
Sincerely,
The Colorín Colorado Team
This month's highlights
Helping Haitian Students Cope with the Earthquake
As an educator, you can provide important support for students of Haitian origin and their families. This article offers tips and resources for school personnel, as well as ways for families in the U.S. to cope with the tragedy from a distance.
It Happened Over There: Understanding and Empathy Through Children's Books
Even if you don't have students from Haiti, there a number of ways to approach the topic in the classroom. Reading Rockets helps parents and teachers address the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti through reading and books.
Join the Colorín Colorado Community on Ning!
Many of you have asked for a place to connect with other ELL educators, and we are happy to provide that opportunity! Check out the new Colorín Colorado social network on Ning — it's free to join, and you are welcome to submit ideas, resources, conversation topics, or start your own group on the network.
Don't Miss
In case you missed last month's newsletter, be sure to check out the following highlights:
New on Colorín Colorado
ESL/Bilingual Job Interview Tips
If you are looking for a new ESL or bilingual teaching position, there are a number of things you can do to help prepare for the interview. This article on ESL/bilingual job interview tips outlines general information that will get you started, as well as areas of your own experience that may be helpful to highlight in the interview.
State Resources
Colorín Colorado presents a new section of web resources organized by state! Websites include ELL standards, parent resources, and union affiliates. If you'd like us to add some websites from your state, feel free to send us an email.
Recommended Resources
Reading Rockets Webcast on Educational Media
This webcast features Deb Linebarger, Lisa Guernsey, and Marnie Lewis in a discussion about educational media and what the growing exposure to media means for children's literacy development.
Children and Media (PBS Parents)
These bilingual articles from PBS Parents offers age-appropriate guidelines for parents related to TV & movies, computers, video games, and advertising.
In the Classroom
Technology in the ELL Classroom
This new section from Colorín Colorado presents a number of articles focused on the use of instructional technology in the ELL classroom, including strategies for teaching beginning computer skills and vocabulary to newcomer students.
How are you using technology in the classroom?
Send us an email with "Technology and ELLs" in the subject line or join our discussion on Ning.
Books and Authors
New Bilingual Booklist: Snow, Snow, Snow!
These cozy, snowy stories are perfect for bedtime or for curling up on the couch! From beautiful wordless books about snowmen and polar bears to colorful stories about the magical experience of a character's first snowfall, these stories will provide enjoyment for readers young and old alike.
Don't miss this video clip in which Amber Prentice describes how to turn a student's first snowfall into a learning opportunity, as well as additional lesson plans and resources!
Book of the Month
When This World Was New
By D.H. Figueredo
Illustrated by Enrique O. Sanchez
Danilito is excited about coming to America, but he is also scared — it is so different and cold, and he doesn't speak any English. Then he experiences his first snowfall. After feeling the snowflakes on his cheek and leaving footprints in the snow, he begins to feel a little more confident in this new country. Warm illustrations bring an immigrant family's journey, and their first snowfall, to life.
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