Writer's Workshop for the ESL learner

Boy it is slow going.  Using mentor text is so hard.  They are unable to appreciate it because of their lack of vocabulary and cultural understanding.  I imagine it is a case of where they get what they can out of it.  Some enjoyed knucklehead but others were very confused.  As long as they know it is just an example for them to use it is ok.  They do seem excited about their narratives though.  I will be very interested to see how they adapt to the group editing and advising

Music Assessment/ Vocabulary

I think i have to strip down my music assessment to one or 2 tasks.  More than that is overbearing.  It took too long to get it done but I do like the differentiation.  Students could practice or go to the ICT lab to do research on guitarists.  Both part of our curriculum.  I really am seeing their interest in guitar but they must have patience with the playing.

As long and drawn out as my vocabulay in context may be.  I think it is the right way to proceed.  Have them discover a few words and work through the formula of using context clues.  I think they may actually like it a bit as opposed to sending out copied defintions.  

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writer's workshop

A book designed for 5th graders and they cant get it.  No background knowledge.  so now I have to give a huge chunk of time to have them understand their mentor text.  They did like using the blocks to generate ideas but have no idea what makes a good story.  More examples!  I need more examples!  Maybe it will sink in. 

I will have them read the mentor text next time and we will try another test drive.  They have to start asking the question.  Is this  intersting?  Peer evaluations here we come.. Brutal and honest.. Is this interesting?  NO!!