Ask the Librarian
Some Recommended Resources from the Curious Librarian
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Nanette Dougherty |
I love the idea of serendipity, and the idea that books find a way into our lives exactly when we are meant to read them. However, this does not always happen, and this is where I hope to come in to lend a hand. Please let me take this opportunity to introduce myself, and my new column to you. I have been working to support the education of English Language Learners in the New York City Public Schools for more than 15 years. Recently I pursued an MLS degree, and began working as a school librarian, where I use my skills to cultivate curiosity and nurture students to become lifelong readers and thinkers. My friends tell me I have a gift for finding great resources. I love discovering new books and resources; I love making matches with resources and readers even more. When I find a good resource, then I will gladly share it with you in this column.
Perhaps you are going to be teaching a new course and need some new resources; or you are looking for the perfect read aloud for an upcoming unit; or you just need some ideas for great books to work with a particular student or students. Please feel free to email me about what you are looking for. I will be happy to help and hopefully make some good matches for you. I may even feature some requests and results in future columns!
USINGENGLISH.COM
UsingEnglish.com is a free website that is worth checking out. First of all, there is literally something for everyone. Topics cover the spectrum of ESL, EFL, ESOL, and EAP subject areas. In addition, the site provides a large collection of “tools and resources for students, teachers, learners and academics.” The grammar glossary and references of irregular verbs, phrasal verbs and idioms are useful for both students who want practice and teachers who need help with planning lessons. Students can post questions on the Ask the Teacher forum, and take practice quizzes. There are also lots of resources for teachers such as teacher handouts and printables that you can use to differentiate instruction. There are many useful links on this site, and though some are dated, there are many great articles for you to explore. One note - this site will be difficult for younger students to navigate; I recommend you bookmark pages or resources in the site you want to use.
http://www.usingenglish.com
New York State Education Department Bilingual Glossaries
Some of you may know about this wonderful free resource, and if so, then think of this as a reminder to use it. I felt it important to list it when considering the priority with test performance in this age of accountability. The New York State Education Department Bilingual Glossaries are a great resource for educators working with ELLs in Grades 3-12. It is truly amazing the number of languages represented here, and how they have identified key vocabulary for the different content areas. ESOL teachers can use the glossaries to help prepare English Language Learners for exams. Teachers can use the glossaries as references in lessons to create test preparation lessons. Students may use these documents, too, as supplements to their texts for study or as references when taking standardized examinations.
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/biling/bilinged/bilingual_glossaries.htm
Immigrant Students and Literacy: Reading, Writing and Remembering
Dr. Gerald Campano, published by Teachers College Press, 2007
Dr. Campano was a keynote speaker at our 2009 Fall Conference. Some of you may have had the opportunity to experience firsthand what a truly gifted educator he is. At a time when so many of us in the K-12 world are faced with increasing demands and high-stakes testing and curriculum that encroaches on freedom, this book represents hope. Dr. Campano takes us on a journey into his fifth grade classroom in a large urban school with culturally and linguistically diverse English Language Learners who face many personal challenges in their lives. We learn how he created a language arts curriculum from the students’ own cultural resources, narratives, and identities, and how he created powerful learning experiences for his students. This book is a truly worthwhile one and has become one of my favorites.
NOTE: I am currently arranging for you to get a special discount for this book. Buy yourself a gift! I think you will find this to be a memorable book that will help you to tap into the literacies and strengths students bring with them.
I have negotiated with Teachers College Press. Dialogue readers will receive a 15% discount if you order this book from Teachers College Press by January 30, 2010! Use the code: ISLD at checkout on tcpress.com. The book’s direct link is: http://store.tcpress.com/0807747327.shtml Enjoy!
Nanette Dougherty has been working with culturally and linguistically diverse students in grades K-12 in New York City’s Title 1 schools for fifteen years. Nanette is a Nationally Board Certified Teacher in Literacy (Reading & Language Arts), and is NYS State certified in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages(K-12), Elementary Education, English Language Arts 7-12, and now as a School Library Media Specialist.
