Community English Worksheets - Minnesota Literacy Council,2012 (Page 23 of 26) in pdf

Community English Worksheets - Minnesota Literacy Council,2012 Page 23

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:

Activity 1: Literacy

Reading Test Practice

Step 1: Independent Practice

Before distributing the questions, remind learners that

this is practice for their reading test. During the test

they should not talk, look at their notebook or

dictionary, or look at other learners’ papers.

Model how to read the questions first, then the

information above, then go back and circle the correct

answer.

Give everyone 3 minutes to complete questions 1-2.

Use this time to walk around the room and see who has

easily mastered this skill and who might need extra practice.

Step 2: Reviewing Answers

Use a projector to show the questions. Invite a student to come up and circle the

correct answer. They should also circle the information above the questions that helped

them find the correct answer.

If there is much dispute about the correct answer, discuss all the answers as a class and

model how to eliminate wrong answers.

Jessica Grace Jones, Minnesota Literacy Council, 2012

p. 23

Beginning Family Unit

Community English Worksheets - Minnesota Literacy Council,2012 Page 23