Overview

=LESSON FORMAT=

Each lesson focuses on a theme of practical significance to the students, offering the student vocabulary and grammar instruction. The goal is to offer the student opportunities to hear, speak, read and write English. Thus, each lesson includes: (1) a vocabulary sheet for distribution to the students, with Spanish translations; (2) a grammar sheet; (3) visual aids to discussion; (4) a worksheet for the students to complete; (5) suggestions for games or activities; and (6) a written text (dialogue, brief text, poem, etc.) that the teachers and students can read together for comprehension and pronunciation, and that can be used as a starting point for discussion and for formulating variations.

These lessons are not a “cookbook” designed to dictate the exact content of each lesson. Rather, they are intended as a resource. Each teacher will have a different style, and we rely on you to use your creativity in presenting the material to the students. Teachers are encouraged to modify the materials to suit their students’ interests or abilities and to add new materials and ideas.

These lessons are a work in progress. We hope to continue adding new material to existing lessons, to develop lessons on new themes, and to develop versions of these lessons for more advanced students. Teachers are encouraged to submit materials and ideas as we go along [//directions on submitting?]//

As you get to know your class, you will find it easier to anticipate how much can be covered in each class session and to choose the materials that will work best for you and your students. You may wish to spend more than one session on a single lesson, and you may wish to omit some lessons. You may choose to “mix and match” themes and grammar lessons from different lessons. You may find that you need to develop simpler or more complex versions of the lessons to suit your students’ needs.

A few suggestions as you plan each class session:

1. Because students may not all arrive at the same time, be prepared for some extra conversation or activities for those who arrive early. This will keep everyone focused, reward promptness, and involve other students immediately as they arrive.

2. Begin each class with a brief review of material previously covered. This will help to reinforce previous lessons and start the session on a familiar and less intimidating note.

3. Allow a few minutes at the end of each session for students to raise questions on any subject of interest. This will encourage students to speak, provide an opportunity for them to get practical help with language and culture-related problems they face, and suggest topics that should be covered in our lessons.

//Above material in a downloadable Word file://