“…an ESL resource which is specifically aimed at achieving a student-centered classroom and differentiation.”
-Kenny S., Yeosu, South Korea
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• Are you an ESL Teacher, ESL student, or other? Please state your profession or affiliation with ESL.
I am currently an ESL teacher in an urban public school elementary school in Yeosu, South Korea. I am also a certified K-6 teacher back home in the US. I have taught ESL in a variety of settings, e.g. at an immigrant day workers center in Seattle with adult English students- mostly Latinos. I taught impoverished 2nd and 3rd graders in a huge public school in Barranquilla, Colombia. I have worked as a bilingual instructional assistant in Seattle public schools, working with many English Language Learners.
In all honesty, finding this resource came at an exceptional time. I just completed my coursework for my K-6 regular education teacher certification in the US, and was interested in developing my skills to differentiate and provide student-centered learning while I finishing my ESL teaching contract here in Korea. The Korean education system is not as keen on differentiation and student-centeredness at this point, but considering its effectiveness in increasing student talk time and getting kids engaged with the difficult task of learning English, I wanted to find a resource like this.
• Have you utilized a book like this before?
Yes, I have used ESL activity books, instructional guides and whole curricula before. I have not used an ESL resource which is specifically aimed at achieving a student-centered classroom and differentiation.
• What is most impressive/ appealing about the book/ activities?
The range of activities and learning styles contained on the learning menus, how they are tiered under each topic and organized very well. The rubrics for the activities are helpful as well, especially considering that they are aligned to standards. You have identified four solid structures for providing students with project-based choice menus and many of the full-fledged and mini-projects are excellent.
• How would you rate its ease of use, practicality, and creativity?
I think it’s well-organized, easy to use, and very practical. Some of the projects are very creative and many of the projects would encourage creativity in the students as English language learners.
Kenny S., Yeosu, South Korea