Hall Elementary – Spring 2018

Forums Past Tense Journal (Classroom Log) Hall Elementary – Spring 2018

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  • #9948
    WebMaestrex
    Keymaster

    Copy the text below and paste into a comment, then fill it out! Please do not use your last name, or any learner names.

    Lesson Title:
    Date of Class:
    Day of Class:
    Time of Class:
    MC:
    DJ:
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner:
    Module:
    How Many Learners:
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):

    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) =
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) =
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) =
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) =
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) =
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) =

    Total Score:

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific):

    #9966
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Lesson Title: Filing Your taxes in Oregon
    Date of Class: 4/9/2018
    Day of Class: Monday
    Time of Class: 6-7:30
    MC: MaureenSeastarteacher
    DJ: Maureen
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: n/a
    Module: Taxes!
    How Many Learners: 2!
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
    great!
    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 7
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 7
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 6
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 6
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 6
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 5

    Total Score: 37

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): This was the first class in a long time, so only two learners showed up. A lot of the class was spent filing out paperwork for SUN and practicing the protocol for the class procedure. Learners were on either side of the skill level spectrum. Though the topic was a little boring, we laughed while asking each other questions and I pretended to be another learner, changing my seat and talking in different voices. They laughed (at) with me and we played bingo and ate candy. I t0ld them both to bring their friends/family and spread the word about this class. We’ll see!

    #9979
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Lesson Title: Portland’s big interesting trees
    Date of Class: 4/11/2018
    Day of Class: Wednesday
    Time of Class: 6-7:30
    MC: Maureen
    DJ: Maureen
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: Maureen
    Module: Local Flora
    How Many Learners: 3
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
    great!
    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 8
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 7
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 7
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 7
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 7
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7

    Total Score: 43

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): This is the third time I have used this lesson about Portland’s 292 Heritage Trees. It’s not because I am lazy and love recycling, but because people seem to really enjoy learning about these crazy trees right here in their city and neighborhoods and the photos are colorful and fantastic. The names of these trees are great because the words are not ones they’ve heard before but are easily sounded out and don’t throw any curve balls–Catalpa, Scarlet, Walnut, etc. Learners enjoy looking at the maps and finding some of the trees right in their areas. They’ve likely seen a handful of these trees! We used the last ten minutes of the class to play the letter tile game to see who could use the tiles to spell words I called out the fastest. It got quite vicious and one learner actually got out of his chair and stretched before the next word was called. (He wanted to beat his wife who was kicking his ass). We laughed and it was good fun. If the attendance continues on this trajectory, there will be FOUR learners on Monday!

    #10003
    Mary Louise W
    Spectator

    Lesson Title: Taxes!
    Date of Class: 4/16/18
    Day of Class: Monday
    Time of Class: 6-7:30
    MC: ML
    DJ: none
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: none
    Module: Taxes
    How Many Learners: 3
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc): all good

    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 5
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 6
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 7
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) =6
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 6
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) =4

    Total Score: 34

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): 5-8 min late start due to student late arrival, but all were very engaged throughout. Dictated tax vocabulary. Listen & Point with sales tax map of the US (handy review/fun with states, too), and tax forms. Dialogue around taxes/refunds etc. Played around with students giving some letter combos for the alphabet point, as well as throwing out some listen & do actions, after we’d done a few rounds. Good time overall.

    #10014
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Lesson Title: Hiking the Hoyt Arboretum in Portland
    Date of Class: 4/18/18
    Day of Class: Wednesday
    Time of Class: 6-7:30
    MC: Maureen
    DJ: Maureen
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: 0
    Module: Local Flora
    How Many Learners: 5
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
    good!
    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 8 (oops, nope! I forgot candy!!!) 7
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 7
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 7
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 7
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 8
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7

    Total Score: 43

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): Class had the most people so far!! 5 whole learners! I gave some challenging sentences for the learners to write, but they rocked them–I knew they could do it. I really enjoy lessons like these in which a unique part of Portland is showcased. I brought actual maps of the Hoyt Arboretum and pitted pairs against each other to find trail names. Learners asked questions about exactly where this magical living museum is located and they seemed excited to visit and explore. Since one of the dictated sentences involved directions on how to get there easily on MAX, they have everything they need to be a tourist in their own city! (I really hope they go) I have confidence that these learners will keep coming to class and I hope they tell all their friends. I had fun wearing my tour guide hat and hope to do this kind of lesson again and again.

    #10024
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Lesson Title: What are taxes for?
    Date of Class: 4/23/18
    Day of Class: Monday
    Time of Class: 6-7:30
    MC: Maureen
    DJ: Maureen
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: n/a
    Module: taxes!
    How Many Learners: 5
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
    great!
    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 8
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 8
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 7
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 7
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) 8
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7

    Total Score: 45

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): As the same five people have been coming to class, they’ve been getting to know each other and where each other is from, etc. They are learning each other’s strengths and weaknesses and are helpful with each other. I started printing out the dictated sentences in large font so two of the lower level learners can use it to refer to and I love when they challenge themselves to close their eyes and listen to me repeat sentences and give it a try without the reference crutch. I’m pretty sure one of the learners is somewhat illiterate in his native language and has a glitch between what he sees and what he reads. Not sure how to address this. This group sure does love games and begs to keep playing even when class is over. “One more! One more!” I love that they have the opportunity to use their notes during game play to spell words, but some of them either flip their pages over or move them aside to not use the crutch; they want to challenge themselves and sit in the driver’s seat of their language learning journey. Super fun class! :)

    #10060
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Lesson Title: Vote in all elections to make your voice heard!
    Date of Class: 4/30/2018
    Day of Class: Monday
    Time of Class: 6-7:30
    MC: Maureen
    DJ: Maureen
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: n/a
    Module: 2018 Primary Election
    How Many Learners: 5
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
    good!
    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 8
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) 7
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 7
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 7
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 7
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7

    Total Score: 43

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): I concentrated on what the election was, what it was for and the accompanying materials to assist with the voting process in the dictated sentences. I passed around advertisements I have been receiving in the mail endorsing this or that candidate in the round robin. I also showed the learners my personal ballot and that it was mailed to me. The learners asked questions and I wonder if I can bring in some voters’ pamphlets in Spanish if there are any available. As some of the candidates had unusual names, the learners tripped over several pronunciations. I think this is good practice just sounding out words we’ve never seen. We closed the class with another ripping and suspenseful game of Tile Spell~guys against the gals edition 2018. I could use this opportunity to brag about which gender kicked royal ass, but that would be rude, so I won’t. ;)

    #10071
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Lesson Title: Let’s go to Olympic National Park!
    Date of Class: 05/02/2018
    Day of Class: Wednesday
    Time of Class: 6-7:30
    MC: Maureen
    DJ: Maureen
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: n/a
    Module: The Great Outdoors
    How Many Learners: 4
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
    the PPT box was moved and all the pencils are gone! HMmmm……..
    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 8
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) =7
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 8
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) =7
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 7
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7

    Total Score: 44

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): This lesson was all about maps and basically advertising for Olympic National Park. The learners seemed very interested in the park and asked a lot of questions. For the document search, I had two teams competing to find different areas and names on 2 identical National Park maps I brought. I wove into the lesson where in the state of Washington the park was located so they could see the size compared to that of the state. I tried to challenge them with words such as biosphere and balance it with familiar words such as park and forests. The learners seemed very interested in visiting the park sometime and asked me what it was like there. Great lively class!

    #10100
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Lesson Title: Become an Educated Voter and learn about the candidates!
    Date of Class: 5/7/18
    Day of Class: Monday
    Time of Class: 6-7:30
    MC: Maureen
    DJ: Maureen
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: n/a
    Module: Primary Election 2018
    How Many Learners: 4
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
    good!
    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 8
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 7
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 7
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 7
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 6
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7

    Total Score: 42

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): I dictated sentences about the May 15 election and passed around advertisements that have been either stuck in my door or in my mailbox. They laughed at the “attack ad” I showed after we practiced a sentence about it. The learners asked me how I feel about certain pressing issues Portland has in its lap such as the homeless crisis or opiod epidemic. I was frank. They expressed their dislike for Cheeto and I felt like they were in commiserating company. Two parents were having a difficult time with their young son who attends the free babysitting at Hall while they are in class with me. Child didn’t want to be away from his family, so he sat with us with one of the parents trading off caring for him. It was distracting even though he’s a great, friendly kid. Intimate, fun class even still!

    #10114
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Lesson Title: Oregon is a prime state for camping along the coast
    Date of Class: 5/9/2018
    Day of Class: Wednesday
    Time of Class: 6-7:30 pm
    MC: Maureen
    DJ: Maureen
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: n/a
    Module: The Great outdoors
    How Many Learners: 5
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
    great!
    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 8
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 8
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 8
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 8
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) 7
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7

    Total Score: 46

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): This was a great class in that the learners were interacting with each other fluidly and interested in the lesson–camping! We learned who loves adventure and exploring and who has lived in PDX for 10 years and never left the outskirts of the city!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! what????? I beta-tested a new (to ESL learner) game–Kim’s game–where I introduced vocabulary associated with camping such as lanterns, solar radio, rope, bug spray, etc. I gave them 30 seconds to study the items (there were nine), them covered them up and had the learners make a list of which ones they remembered. I learned from this game that having nine items was a little too easy and that I’ll have to figure out how to tweak it so even very low-level learners can get something out of it. However…the learners seemed to have a really great time and were energetic and laughing and smacking themselves on the head when I revealed the items hidden under a bag. HMmmm…I’ll do some more thinking about this one! Time FLEW by in this class and I really enjoyed passing around real-world materials to add dimension and interest to the lesson.

    #10130
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Lesson Title: Voters select a candidate they believe in.
    Date of Class: 5/14/18
    Day of Class: Monday
    Time of Class: 6-7:30
    MC: Maureen
    DJ: n/a
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: Hannah
    Module: Primary Election 2018
    How Many Learners: ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
    great!
    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 8
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 7
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 7
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) =7
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 7
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7

    Total Score: 43

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): Class was super weird since there was only one learner and I know she doesn’t like the feeling of anyone hovering over her. It did give me a chance to work with this learner one-on-one which I haven’t had the opportunity to do yet–good thing and a bad thing!! I wish there were more learners so Hannah could have a richer experience. This learner had to leave early after getting a phone call pertaining to her child, so class was short. I did give Hannah the low-down on how class USUALLY goes and I hope she can come back when we can see how the process works in action when there are more people. The sole learner did very well with self-correction and we could really work on her pronunciation a bit since we don’t usually have the chance to delve into it as much when there are more people. And we could relax and chit chat while we waited a bit for more learners. I feel like this is important both for rapport and for conversation practice in real time.

    #10147
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Lesson Title: Hiking Through the Unites States from the South to the North
    Date of Class: 5/16/2018
    Day of Class: Wednesday
    Time of Class: 6-7:30
    MC: Maureen
    DJ: Maureen
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: Hannah
    Module: The Great Outdoors
    How Many Learners: ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
    good.
    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 8
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 6
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 7
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 8
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 7
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 8

    Total Score: 44

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): SOOOoooo…..Only Mr. A showed up for class, so it was very intimate and very very chatty. Still managed to get through most of the actual lesson which focused on hiking the 3 giant trails in the U.S.–the PCT, CDT and AT. We looked at a lot of photos and traced the trails on a huge map of the U.S. we rolled out. This was right in Mr. A’s wheelhouse! He would’ve told Hannah and I stories about his desert adventures until midnight if we let him! I had activities planned to pit classmates against each other finding states, etc. but….wot wot wot…we still had fun and got a lot of writing and vocab practice. :)

    #10174
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Lesson Title: Who won in the Oregon Primary Election?
    Date of Class: 5/21/18
    Day of Class: Monday
    Time of Class: 6-7:30
    MC: Maureen
    DJ: Maureen
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: Hannah H.
    Module: Oregon Primary Election 2018
    How Many Learners: 2
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
    good!
    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 8
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 6
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 7
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 7
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 7
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 8

    Total Score: 43

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): Only had two learners, so it was really intimate. I found myself trying not to keep saying: “Ordinarily, the class would be more like…” to Hannah as I tried to model for her how the class proceeds through the lesson. It was a fun class though and the learners (BOTH of them) remembered the candidates we talked about in the previous weeks and were curious about the results. We asked each other if we voted or not during Round Robin and were all disappointed to learn that only 29% of the public voted in the Primary in Oregon and ALL tripped over the pronunciation of 777,774; as in: 777,774 ballots were filled OUT and turned IN. It also became a mini lesson about these prepositions!!! I talked briefly about the and of these classes and about the End-of-the-Year potluck on Wednesday after class and handed out a flyer Laura gave me. I passed along the libraries’ TALK TIME flyer and gave Laura Patrik’s email about Summer ESL opportunities.

    #10198
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Lesson Title: Crater lake is America’s deepest lake!
    Date of Class: 5/23/18
    Day of Class: Wednesday
    Time of Class: 6-7:30
    MC: Maureen
    DJ: Maureen
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: no
    Module: The Great Outdoors
    How Many Learners: 1
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
    good
    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 8
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 5
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 8
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 6
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 5
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 5

    Total Score: 37

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): I was extremely disappointed and frustrated that I spent a lot of time planning a really fun and game-heavy class with maps and contests and no one showed up. Well, just one, but I couldn’t do what I originally planned. We just talked and he practiced his English by reading all the signs in the room before we attended the end-of-the-year party with what I THOUGHT was going to be all the other teachers and students from the other classes going on in the building such as citizenship classes and GED classes. That’s how it was advertised to me last week and I thought it might be a good chance to network and talk about the ESL class. I was excited to meet other people in a relaxed environment, but the room was filled with children who came solely for the free food. I tried talking to the kids asking them where they were from, etc. and they got up and moved to another table as if I had a scorching case of cooties. Definitely very low on my list of favorite teaching experiences. :(

    #10211
    Maureen Riggs
    Spectator

    Lesson Title: Welcome to the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
    Date of Class: 4/25/18
    Day of Class: Wednesday
    Time of Class: 6-7:30
    MC: Maureen
    DJ: Maureen
    Assistants/Shadowers/Auditioner: 0
    Module: Local Flora
    How Many Learners: 5
    Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):
    good
    Self Evaluation

    Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 8
    Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 7
    Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 7
    Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 8
    Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 7
    Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7

    Total Score: 44

    What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): We wrote sentences about the Rhododendron Garden such as when it is open, how many different types of rhodies can be seen and how it is maintained (by volunteers :) ) We asked each other if we’d ever been to the garden and passed around a few different rhodies from my house. We watched a video tour of the garden on my laptop. After seeing the video, learners seemed interested in visiting the garden and I made sure to tell them when the park is open for FREE!

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