Community English Worksheets - Minnesota Literacy Council,2012 (Page 16 of 26) in pdf

Community English Worksheets - Minnesota Literacy Council,2012 Page 16

IMPORTANT NOTE about discussing FAMILY: Talking about family in the adult ESL classroom can be a

sensitive topic. Keep in mind that many learners have experienced trauma related to war, many have

lost or been separated from family members, including young children. Some may not know to date

where there siblings are living or if they are even alive. And many have had to make the difficult choice

to leave children in the care of family members in their home country.

As much as possible, try to keep discussions about family open ended and allow learners to volunteer

only the information they are comfortable talking about. For example, it may be better to ask “Tell me

about your family” and avoid specific questions like “How many brothers and sisters do you have?”

Even with these precautions, some learners may feel sad or anxious talking about their families. Watch

closely for feelings of discomfort. Allow learners to step out or take extra breaks as needed. And offer a

compassionate ear if learners feel compelled to talk about sad or worrisome family issues and events.

Teacher Directions:

Warm Up and Review

Step 1: Preview Vocabulary

Write on the board: This is my brother His name is Edgar.

This is my sister. Her name is Silvia.

Practice the phrases several times as a class. Begin substituting other family member vocabulary

(mother, niece, cousin, etc.)

Step 2: Making introductions

Call 2 learners to the front of the room. Announce that they are now husband and wife. Have

each one introduce the other to you (“This is my wife. Her name is ____.”)

Call 2 additional learners -they are now the children of the first two. Have them introduce the 3

other people to you (“This is my mother. Her name is ____. Etc.)

Keep adding people (spouses, children, in-laws, etc.) each time have the newest members of

the family introduce the people who are already standing.

Step 3: (optional) create a family tree

Use the newly created class family to draw a family tree on the board.

Jessica Grace Jones, Minnesota Literacy Council, 2012

p. 16

Beginning Family Unit

Community English Worksheets - Minnesota Literacy Council,2012 Page 16