Tag: #TOUROTESOL

Encountering Complexity: Syntax Analysis in The Very Hungry Caterpillar for Educators by Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin

Understanding the complexity of syntax in children’s texts is essential for TESOL educators, as it unbundles the cognitive load multilingual learners face when decoding seemingly simple sentences. The infographic Encountering Complexity: Syntax Analysis in The Very Hungry Caterpillar is designed to help educators appreciate the intricate linguistic demands embedded in a classic children’s text.

By analyzing the sentence, “One Sunday morning the warm sun came up and – pop! – out of the egg came a tiny and very hungry caterpillar,” this infographic unpacks the nuanced interplay of grammatical components that may challenge multilingual learners (MLs). My analysis underscores the sophistication hidden within children’s literature and its implications for language acquisition. I wanted to highlight the layered complexity of the sentence through a detailed syntactic breakdown.

Section 1 categorizes elements like adverbial phrases, noun phrases, and verb phrases, explaining their functions and interactions.

Section 2 visualizes the sentence’s structure using a “Sentence Tree,” mapping two interconnected clauses to reveal how they contribute to the sentence’s flow and meaning.

Section 3 offers a granular analysis of each phrase, employing color-coding to differentiate grammatical categories such as determiners, adjectives, nouns, and verbs. These insights allow teachers to see how even a brief sentence integrates multiple linguistic elements, requiring learners to simultaneously process temporal, spatial, and descriptive details.

Syntax analysis is critical for TESOL educators, as it emphasizes the cognitive demands placed on MLs when engaging with texts. For MLs, processing a sentence like this involves not only vocabulary comprehension but also navigating complex syntactic relationships, such as interjections, modifiers, and clause coordination. By recognizing the intricacies in children’s literature, TESOL teachers can better scaffold learning experiences, create targeted interventions, and develop strategies to reduce cognitive overload while fostering language development. My infographic serves as a reflective tool for my students at Touro University to approach children’s texts with a deeper awareness of the linguistic challenges faced by MLs.

Kayla Challenor, Touro University, TESOL Certification Candidate on Strategies to Accommodate ELL learners

As a Professor for TESOL, I am immensely proud to feature outstanding student work from our MS in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program. New York’s linguistic diversity demands teachers who can find common ground and effectively communicate with students from different language backgrounds. Academically rigorous and practice-intensive, the 33-credit program includes 50 hours of fieldwork and supervised student teaching experiences. Candidates who complete all coursework, fieldwork, and student teaching requirements are eligible for recommendation for ESL certification.

EDDN 637: Students will become acquainted with and practice effective approaches, methods, and strategies for teaching and evaluating English language learners in the content areas (ELA, Social Studies, Math and Science). Throughout the course, students will explore the impact of culture and language upon classroom learning. Special challenges in teaching and assessment in each content area will be discussed. Examination and analysis of curriculum materials and instructional strategies for creative teaching and learning in grades Pe-K-12. Includes content-specific lesson planning that addresses the New York State Student Content Learning Standards with emphasis on English Language Arts, English as a Second Language, and content area instruction. Course content includes demonstrations, simulated activities, and field observations in Pre-K-12 classrooms. The course also examines how the teaching of English to non-native speakers can be integrated with the teaching of cognitive skills in all content areas. Students will be offered a variety of methods and materials to integrate ESL standards throughout all content areas for classroom use. Includes 15 hours of fieldwork.

Kayla Challenor currently works as a Reading Teacher at Island Trees Memorial Middle School in Levittown, NY. She holds a master’s degree in Reading and Literacy (K-12). Passionate about furthering her education, she is currently in the process of earning her TESOL certification at Touro University. Her dedication is evident in her ongoing efforts to ensure the success of all learners.

“I am dedicated to applying our coursework knowledge into my classroom.”

Kayla Challenor, Touro University, TESOL certification candidate

kayla-challenor-db-2-eddn-637Download

Touro University TESOL Candidate Ashley Ramdat’s Flowchart on Improving Teaching in L2 Reading

As a Professor for TESOL, I am immensely proud to feature outstanding student work from our MS in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program. New York’s linguistic diversity demands teachers who can find common ground and effectively communicate with students from different language backgrounds. Academically rigorous and practice-intensive, the 33-credit program includes 50 hours of fieldwork and supervised student teaching experiences. Candidates that complete all coursework, fieldwork, and student teaching requirements are eligible for recommendation for ESL certification.

Ashley Ramdat will be a first-year teacher for the upcoming school year and is happy to serve as a first-grade special education teacher. She has one semester left until she graduates with her masters in TESOL and states that she “is beyond excited.”

Touro Graduate School of Education has provided me with such a rich education thus far. They have prepared me immensely in being able to create a culturally inclusive classroom and I appreciate the feedback, support, and conversations I’ve had with peers and professors.”

Ashley Ramdat, Touro University TESOL Candidate

Touro University TESOL Candidate Natalie Spirkina’s Differentiated Instructional Activity on The Unique Life Cycle of a Butterfly

As a Professor for TESOL, I am immensely proud to feature outstanding student work from our MS in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program. New York’s linguistic diversity demands teachers who can find common ground and effectively communicate with students from different language backgrounds. Academically rigorous and practice-intensive, the 33-credit program includes 50 hours of fieldwork and supervised student teaching experiences. Candidates that complete all coursework, fieldwork, and student teaching requirements are eligible for recommendation for ESL certification.

Differentiated Instructional Activity Assignment
Assignment Overview:

In this assignment, teachers of English Language Learners (ELL) or Multilingual Learners (ML) will explore and implement differentiated instructional activities to maximize the learning of every student in their class. Using the provided Tools for High-Quality Differentiated Instruction: An ASCD Action Tool, teachers will modify an existing content lesson plan to incorporate differentiation strategies in various aspects of instruction. The assignment requires the submission of a paper including the original and differentiated lesson plans, along with all materials, and a 2-4 minute video showcasing one specific aspect of a differentiated instructional activity. The assignment aims to facilitate professional growth and reflection on implementing differentiated instruction.

I am proud to showcase the outstanding work of Touro University TESOL candidate Natalie Spirkina on the Differentiated Instructional Activity Assignment in my blog. Her commitment to enhancing the learning experiences of English Language Learners and Multilingual Learners through tailored instructional strategies has been remarkable. The thoughtfulness, creativity, and dedication she demonstrated while modifying her lesson plan and crafting her reflection exemplify her potential as a future TESOL educator who prioritizes inclusivity and student-centered learning.

Touro University TESOL candidate Natalie Spirkina, a special education teacher for the NYC Department of Education for over 10 years, is a product of the public school system and an early-grade English Language Learner herself.

I was drawn to Touro to further my journey as an educator. I am looking forward to implementing the methods and techniques that I am learning at Touro to enrich students’ language development and overall learning in my classroom.

Natalie Spirkina, Touro University TESOL candidate
differentiated-instructional-activity-assignment-refelction-natalie-spirkinaDownload
the-unique-life-cycle-of-a-butterfly-differentiatednatalie-spirkinaDownload

Presenting at the TESOL 2023 International Convention & English Language Expo in Portland, Oregon, USA

Together with my dear colleagues and peers Ching-Ching Lin, Ed. D. and Nikki Bell we will be presenting on our NYS TESOL e-book project “Enacting culturally responsive pedagogies through community assets mapping: A NYS TESOL Story,” which has been included in the TESOL 2023 convention program, held on 21–24 March in Portland, Oregon, USA.

Join a global community of English language professionals for the TESOL 2023 Convention & English Language Expo, 21-24 March!

Through engaging in-person events, you will be able to:

  • Connect with our global community of English language professionals. 
  • Choose from 900 in-person sessions.
  • Access 200 virtual sessions. That’s right, in-person registration includes access to the Virtual Convention!   
  • Interact with exhibitors showcasing the latest ELT products and services.
  • Press reset and get away from your classroom or office.