Introduction
Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to newcomer students is a rewarding but challenging endeavor. ESL teachers work tirelessly to create engaging and effective lessons that cater to their students' unique needs. One powerful tool that can aid in this process is the morning routine. In this blog post, I will share my morning routine with ESL newcomer students, specifically focusing on our calendar time. This routine is designed to teach and reinforce essential concepts, such as days of the week, months, numbers, weather vocabulary, and seasonal vocabulary.
Why Morning Routines Matter
Morning routines offer a structured and predictable start to the school day, which can be especially comforting for newcomers. Research in education has shown that routines help students feel secure, establish expectations, and create a conducive learning environment. This is even more crucial for ESL newcomers who may be navigating a new culture, language, and educational system. According to Dr. Diane August, an expert in the field of language acquisition, "Consistency and routine are vital for the acquisition of English and overall academic success."
Interactive Calendar for ESL Students
Every day in our ESL classroom, we start with a simple yet effective morning routine, focusing on our interactive calendar. This routine not only helps students acquire English but also provides structure and comfort.
1. Days of the Week: We begin by discussing the day of the week. Students practice pronunciation, spelling, and identifying the current day, which can be a challenging concept for newcomers. Through repetition and visual aids, they gradually become more confident.
2. Date: We move on to the date. Students learn to read and write the date in English, which is essential for daily communication and writing.
3. Weather: After the date, we talk about the weather. Students look out of the window and describe the weather conditions. They learn vocabulary related to weather, such as sunny, rainy, cloudy, and windy. This hands-on experience enhances their understanding and retention of new words.
4. Seasonal Vocabulary: We also introduce seasonal vocabulary. Depending on the season, students draw and label relevant items. For example, in winter, they might draw a snowman and label it, while in summer, they could draw the sun and label it.
5. Numbers: During this routine, students practice their numbers by filling in the day's date on their interactive calendar handout. They gain proficiency in counting and writing numbers while focusing on the date.
1. Language Acquisition: By repeating this routine daily, students gradually acquire and reinforce essential language skills, including days of the week, months, numbers, and weather and seasonal vocabulary.
2. Comfort and Routine: The structured morning routine provides ESL newcomers with a sense of predictability and comfort. This is crucial for their emotional well-being and can positively impact their learning experience.
3. Hands-on Learning: Drawing and labeling weather and seasonal vocabulary items make the learning process engaging and memorable. It encourages creativity and participation.
4. Building Vocabulary: Newcomers build a foundation of vocabulary that enables them to communicate effectively in their daily lives.
Morning routines, particularly ones like our interactive calendar time, play a vital role in the education of ESL newcomer students. They create a sense of predictability and structure, which is essential for language acquisition and overall academic success. Research supports the idea that routines enhance learning and provide a comforting environment for students who are adapting to a new language and culture. By implementing such routines, ESL teachers can empower their newcomers to thrive in the world of English language acquisition.
If you would like a FREE copy of my ESL Calendar resource to use in your classroom, click on the image below.
Happy Teaching!
ESL Resource Meet
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