Children have to be educated, but they have also to be left to educate themselves. ~Abbé Dimnet
This week we learned about assessing speaking in the classroom. There are several different ways that speaking can be assessed. For the most part, speaking is our main form of communication. If we are teaching ELLs, we basically do informal assessments of their speaking on a daily basis. Often we provide feedback by just restating what they have said in the correct way. Other ways that we can assess speaking include: role playing, presentations, conferences, and speaking tests.
I chose this quote because it reminds me of how some ELLs go through a silent period. This is typically when an ELL has up to 500 words in their receptive vocabulary but they are not yet speaking. New ELLs will listen attentively and they may even be able to copy words from the board. They will be able to respond to pictures and other visuals. They can understand and duplicate gestures and movements to show comprehension. ELLs at this stage will need much repetition of English. So just because some ELLs are not speaking yet, does not mean that they are not learning anything.
Hi Daniele, I really enjoy reading your reflections. The way you described new ELL students reminds me that I have one that really challenges me. She can go through a silent period, but when taught one on one she surprises me because she knows the information taught. I believe she listens but does not show it and she respond great to pictures. This proves what you said above about students who do not speak,does not mean that they are not learning. I believe my ELL is learning and thank goodness she is beginning to open up in class.
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