Miss Little Sunshine

After School Alternative Program (ASAP)

Date:2010/10/06

• Review L1 and the vocabalary items.

Today the first class begins. The students are mostly cooperative in participating in the activity while there are some students who always easily get distracted by the surroudings and like to chat with friends during class. But their fidgeting does not tax me. My strategy is to set the rule that the person who doesn’t pay attention and is mischievous will have to perform in front of everyone. Instead of ranting at them, this rule really works. I also let them have a group compeition today. The girls like it while a few of boys are loath to stand in the front since they think they lack ability. And the other two boy seem a little bit underwhelmed but as least they are well-behaved.

ü   Reminder: They will have vocabulary test of L1 and L2 this Friday.

ü   Buy each student a file and ask them to keep it as their learning portfolio!

ü   Ask student to bring their own cups.

Date:2010/10/08

• Teaching Activity: Review the vocabulary items of L1 and L2

               L1, L2 Vocabulary Test

•  Don’t distribute too many handouts for students; they won’t review at home.(I have to accept this truth.) I should focus only one thing to teach at a time. They seem to only learn English “in class”. After class, they don’t review. So the better strategy is to have a test for them to prepare and the worksheet should only contain one important thing.
•  There are some rambunctious students who love to play pranks on others and try to distract others’ attention from the class. Really need to work with my colleagues to have a better “long-term”strategy to handle the situation.

Date:2010/10/15

• I begin to feel frustrated about those obstreperous kids whose learning motivation is quite low. I really need to change my way of teaching. They need enjoyment and entertainment, so I may use e-book next time.
• Today’s test is too difficult for them. I need to lower my expectation on their English skills. Try to know their real competence and entry behaviors next time.

• The e-book works better for them! At least they become more involved in the class.
• In order to know their entry behaviors, I design two tests for them, one is oral and the other is written one.
• After having them take the test, I am flabbergasted to know that some students even can’t write the 26 letters in the English alphabet correctly. Moreover, some people can’t recognize the very basic English words, like “family””student””classmate”, etc. Besides helping them review the content in B3, I really need to teach them the more basic part of English vocabulary items and grammar rules.

Date:2010/10/21

• The e-book works better for them!They seem to become more and more interested and involved in the class.
• I played Lady gaga’s music video for them and one special version of her song. The clip is extremely hilarious and I see their smile. I decide to teach them English songs every week to enhance their learning motivation.
• How to do my upmost to help these disadvantaged kids with poor grades?