ESL Syllabus

Mrs. Himelstein: Teacher-rhimels@oakparkschools.org

Mrs. Arsanoos: OPFI Paraprofessional-sarsano@oakparkschools.org
Ms. Mando: OPPA Paraprofessional-mmando@oakparkschools.org

Course Description: This is a multi-leveled class of students will varying

English proficiencies. It is designed to allow students to grow in their English
skills at a pace that best fits their learning style and needs. The structure
and direction of the class varies from year to year depending on the students
needs and the needs of our school district.

Goals: To facilitate the English development and mastery of our district's

ELL learners through direct instruction, collaboration with content teachers
and communication with parents.

1. Listening: Students will listen to English from native speakers; their

teachers and other media sources (news broadcasts, lectures, social
conversation, audiobooks). The focus of these listening activities is on
understanding the message in order to produce an appropriate and
useful response.
2. Speaking: Students will practice speaking by conversing with one
another, responding to questions, and offering comments on what they
hear. Small group projects in content classes will give students
opportunities to practice oral communication skills and showcase newly
acquired skills.
3. Reading: Students will be reading a variety of modified texts,
including short stories, poetry, and informational/expository writing.
In both ESL and content classes, teachers will make efforts to support
language learners through the use of peer buddies. As part of their
reading development, students will be learning strategies to help them
comprehend second language texts.
4. Writing: Students will write daily. They will write on a variety of
topics: personal narratives, descriptions, reports, poems, and
reflections. They will also have the opportunity to create their own
works of creative fiction.

Technology: Students will be using a variety of media resources in their

classes to support and enhance their learning experience including BrainPop
ESL, Study Island, and Scholastic Action Magazine. These resources are
beneficial for students because they are adaptive and students are able to
complete similar assignments but work at their individual learning levels.
Grading: Grades will be calculated as follows:

20% Do Now/Journal

40% Assignments & Projects (Portfolio)

40% Tests & Quizzes

MAKE UP WORK: It is the students responsibility to make up any

assignments within one week.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS: Assignments will be marked down 10% each

day late. An assignment will not be accepted after one week.

TEST/QUIZZES: My goal is for you to all achieve As on ALL tests

and quizzes. You may retake a test/quiz up to two times in order to
achieve a higher grade.

Units of Study

1. Who Am I (Narrative/Memoir Writing/Poetry)

2. Making Choices (Cause/Effect)
3. Building Character (Elements of a story)
4. Hopes Dreams and Wishes (Informational Text)
5. Take Courage/Decisions (Persuasion/Analytical Essays)

**More information can be located on Oakland Countys ESL curriculum map at:
https://oaklandk12-public.rubiconatlas.org/Atlas/Browse/View/UnitCalendar?
BackLink=598146&CurriculumMapID=838&

Daily Routine

1) Do Now/Journal Entry (5 minutes of class)

2) Share out
3) Class work
4) Exit Ticket: Reflection-what did you learn? Are there questions?

Classroom Expectations: What is Fair?

1) Respect yourself and others

2) Follow the golden rule by treating everyone the way you would
like to be treated.
Consequences for not being fair
1. Verbal Warning
2. One on one conference
3. Phone call home
4. Parent conference and referral