Becoming a reflective practioner by

Flipgrid Video Journals

79srosario — 2025-03-03 13:51:49 UTC

Have students create short video journals using Flipgrid to practice speaking skills. Students can respond to weekly prompts, share their cultural experiences, or explain concepts they've learned in class. Peers can watch and respond to each other's videos, creating an interactive speaking and listening practice environment.

Quizlet Live Vocabulary Races

79srosario — 2025-03-03 13:51:49 UTC

Create vocabulary sets in Quizlet and use the 'Live' feature to organize team competitions. Students work collaboratively in randomly assigned groups to match vocabulary terms with definitions or images. This activity promotes both vocabulary acquisition and team communication skills.

Kahoot! Grammar Games

79srosario — 2025-03-03 13:51:51 UTC

Design custom Kahoot! quizzes focusing on specific grammar points or vocabulary themes. Students use their devices to participate in fast-paced, game-like assessments. The competitive nature and immediate feedback make grammar practice more engaging.

Storybird Digital Storytelling

79srosario — 2025-03-03 13:51:52 UTC

Have students create digital stories using Storybird's art-inspired platform. Students write creative stories in English, selecting artwork that matches their narrative. This activity develops writing skills while allowing for creative expression.

Duolingo Classroom Challenges

79srosario — 2025-03-03 13:51:54 UTC

Set up classroom teams and create weekly Duolingo challenges. Students compete to earn the most points while developing their English skills. Track progress using the classroom dashboard and celebrate achievements with virtual rewards.

Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory

79srosario — 2025-03-03 17:07:12 UTC

Vygotsky believed that social and cultural values play a role in cognitive development. Learning is acquired when the learner engages with someone more knowledgeable.

Flocabulary

79srosario — 2025-03-03 17:11:57 UTC

Flocabulary has interactive lessons comprised of videos, readings, games and quizzes for students to learn a skill, content or vocbulary. It can be used across subjects.

IXL

79srosario — 2025-03-03 20:55:45 UTC

IXL is a digital resources that assesses students mastery of subject skills. Students must master foundational skills before advancing to a more challenging skill.

Journal Reflection

79srosario — 2025-03-03 21:11:08 UTC

Recording observational notes about student progress during and after instruction. Record misconceptions, small groups, skill mastered, behavioral observations and academic observations that influence the learning. Maintaining a journal of notes allows for educators to reflect on their teaching and make changes as needed.

Krashen’s Input Hypothesis

79srosario — 2025-03-04 13:49:14 UTC

The hypothesis emphasizes that input must be understood for acquisition to occur. Speaking ability emerges naturally as a result of understanding input, rather than being a direct cause of acquisition. The focus is on meaning, not form, and the input should be naturally occurring in communicative contexts.

Cummins’ BICS vs. CALP

79srosario — 2025-03-04 14:04:49 UTC

Jim Cummins' BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills) and CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency) distinguish between everyday and academic language proficiency. BICS refers to conversational language used in social settings, typically acquired within 1-2 years. It includes gestures, context clues, and simple vocabulary. CALP, on the other hand, involves higher-order thinking, subject-specific vocabulary, and abstract concepts required for academic success. Developing CALP takes 5-7 years, as it requires deep comprehension of complex texts and classroom discourse. Understanding this distinction helps educators provide appropriate support, ensuring ELL students develop both social and academic language skills effectively.

Peer Feedback

79srosario — 2025-03-04 14:07:55 UTC

Seeking peer feedback through collaborative observations is a powerful strategy for professional growth. Teachers observe one another’s lessons, focusing on instructional strategies, student engagement, and language support techniques. Afterward, they engage in reflective discussions, providing constructive feedback and sharing best practices. This process fosters a culture of continuous improvement, allowing educators to refine their teaching methods, address challenges, and enhance ELL support strategies. Collaborative observations also promote mentorship, encourage professional dialogue, and help build a supportive learning community. By gaining insight from peers, teachers can adopt new techniques, improve lesson delivery, and create more effective learning environments for students.

Engaging in professional learning communities (PLCs).

79srosario — 2025-03-04 14:18:16 UTC

Engaging in professional learning communities can create a network for ongoing learning and growth for a everchanging profession. Being in the know leads to constant preparation. Below are resources for professional development and growth.

Online Courses & Webinars:

WIDA eLearning (https://wida.wisc.edu)
Colorín Colorado’s ELL Educator Resources (https://www.colorincolorado.org)
NYS TESOL Webinars (https://nystesol.org/professional_development.php)

Professional Organizations & Conferences:

Attending district-sponsored ELL training sessions. Visit: https://www.weteachnyc.org/

Steps to writing your teaching philosophy

79srosario — 2025-03-04 17:28:47 UTC

Reflect on your beliefs and experience:
1. Why did you become an educator?
2. How do you want to be of service to all your students?
3. What experiences influence your teaching practices?
Research and Align with Educational Theories
1. What are my students current level of proficiency?
2. What are their strengths and how does Cummin's language aquistion align?
Draft a Clear and Concise Statement
1. Create a S.M.A.R.T goal that you plan to acheive within each instructional session.
Provide Examples from Practice
1. Include specific strategies, such as scaffolding techniques or formative assessments, that reflect your beliefs.
2. Mention how you engage students and adapt to diverse learning needs.
Revise and Seek Feedback
1. Share your draft with a mentor or colleague for constructive feedback.
2. Revise to ensure clarity, coherence, and alignment with professional expectations.
Keep It Dynamic and Updated
As you grow professionally, revisit and refine your teaching philosophy to reflect new insights and experiences.