Beginning ESL Syllabus
Mrs. Maggie Mullaj

Textbook: Side By Side (Longman)

Voices in Literature (Heinle & Heinle)

Course Description: This class will allow students to develop Basic English vocabulary and grammatical structures so that they can successfully communicate. Also, students will develop literary and analytical skills which will enable them to be successful in future courses.

Specific units are described in the scope and sequence on the following pages. Every unit will develop students’ Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing skills:

Listening: Students will listen to English from native speakers via their teacher and other media. They will also listen to English spoken by their peers. They must focus their attention on the speaker’s message in order to comprehend and produce a meaningful response.

Speaking: Students will have the daily opportunity to practice speaking in structured conversations with their peers. Also, there will be several projects which require the students to present information to the class using newly acquired English skills.

Reading: Students will be reading a variety of modified texts, including short stories, poetry, and expository writing, with guidance and support from their teacher and peers. Students will learn various strategies to help them comprehend a text in their second language. They will also learn analytical skills necessary to interpret both literature and images.

Writing: Students will be writing on a daily basis, practicing the grammar structures and the new vocabulary. They will write a variety of personal narratives, descriptions, reports, poems, and reflections based on the literature. They will also have the opportunity to create their own works of creative fiction in response to various texts.

Students will be visiting the computer lab on a weekly basis to practice English using the ReadingSmart software.

Grading: Grades will be calculated as follows:

·  10% Journal

·  50% Assignments & Quizzes

·  30% Tests & Projects

·  10% Homework

Beginning ESL: Scope & Sequence

Grammatical Concepts / Vocabulary Units / Reading & Literature Focus / Texts
First 6-weeks / ·  To be: introduction
·  Subject Pronouns
·  Present Continuous Tense / ·  Introductions
·  Personal Information
·  Locations
·  Everyday Activities / Literal v. Figurative
·  Components of a Story
·  Identifying Main Idea
·  Identifying Theme
·  Making Applications / Various Proverbs and Fables
Second 6-weeks / ·  Possessive Adjectives
·  Adjectives
·  Possessive Nouns
·  Prepositions of Location / ·  Everyday Activities (cont.)
·  Describing People and Things
·  Weather
·  Family Members
·  Describing Events & Activities / ·  Characterization
·  Point of View
·  Using Context Clues / The Three Little Pigs
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs
Various cultural versions of "Cinderella"
Third 6-weeks / ·  Prepositions
·  There is/There are
·  Singular/Plural
·  This/That/These/Those / ·  Places Around Town
·  Clothing
·  Colors / Reading Expository Text
Connecting to World Culture
·  Conflict & Resolution
·  Characterization
·  The Epic Hero / A History of Greek Mythology
The Odyssey
Fourth 6-weeks / ·  Simple Present Tense
·  Object Pronouns
·  Have/Has
·  Adverbs of Frequency / ·  Languages & Nationalities
·  Habitual Actions
·  People’s Interests & Activities
·  Describing People
·  Feelings & Emotions / ·  Predicting/Foreshadowing
·  Making Inferences
·  Recognizing Irony
·  Tone
·  Creating Suspense
·  Imagery / The Cask of Amontillado
The Tell-Tale Heart
The Raven
Fifth 6-weeks / ·  Can
·  Have to
·  Future: going to
·  Want to / ·  Abilities
·  Occupations
·  Expressing Obligations
·  Invitations
·  Telling Time
Ailments & the Doctor’s Office
·  Describing Events / ·  Setting and Scene
·  Using Effective Dialogue
·  Dramatic Irony
The Characteristics of a Drama / Expository text about Shakespeare and the tradition of the theatre
Romeo & Juliet
Sixth 6-weeks / ·  Regular Past Tense
·  Irregular Past Tense
·  Wh- questions
·  To be: past tense / ·  Reasons & Excuses
·  Television Commercials
Describing Physical States & Emotion
Biographies & Autobiographies / ·  Symbolism
Interpreting Elements of Design
·  Recognizing Propaganda
·  Persuasive Techniques
·  Researching Information
·  Identifying Historical Context / Various Holocaust Propaganda
Various Gulf War Propaganda
Various Print Ads
Expository text about the Holocaust
My Secret Camera