Saturday, June 29, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
Graduation at Blogmaníacos
My most sincere thanks to Blogmaníacos for their incredible generosity at giving me graduation honours at the end of their 2012/2013 school year.
It has been my pleasure to be in touch with you!
Please, believe me when I say that I will always regard this membership as a real treasure.
Thank you so much for the great time I've had in your class this year.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Friday, June 21, 2013
Goodbye, Kuentalibros!
All the best to the huge amount of Storytellers that have been collaborating with Kuentalibros for the last two years!
After having said goodbye to the collaborative project that has meant so much to me and my ESL students, I'm absolutely lost for words, but please, Do Keep on Reading!
Thursday, June 20, 2013
ThingLink in the classroom
ThingLinkis a simple piece of code that users can install on their website or blog. This code allows teachers or students to designate parts of sites or pages (pictures, etc.) that will produce a pop-up with a description and or a link to something else on the web.
This is a great way to make static images interactive as well and using ThingLink will also allow users to track analytics of the images and links that they have shared.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Summer Reading 2013
Dear students,
This summer you will be able to complete your summer reading online using Gobstopper, an e-reading platform that makes reading much more engaging andfun. On Gobstopper, questions and rich media literally jump right out of the book while you read.
Both you and I will be able to track your progress as you read and see how well you have mastered certain skills and standards by the end of the summer. You will be able to earn badges while you read and show me that you have worked hard to complete this summer reading assignment.
You can access and complete your summer reading on any device with an internet connection including a laptop/desktop, tablet, or, even a smart phone.
A wide range of selected books will appear on your student dashboard on Gobstopper once you have created your student account. Read the instructions below for setting up your account separately.
Your summer reading books will be available on your dashboard beginning June 15th.
I hope you enjoy using Gobstopper. I look forward to watching your progress and seeing you grow and succeed as a reader.
Yours truly,
@mjgsm
Instructions
In order to enroll in my class on Gobstopper (Summer Reading 2013), please go to:
When you go the above address, you will be prompted to create an account.
Please choose a password you will remember. After you create an account, you will be sent to Gobstopper's home page and from there, you'll be able to access the reading homework I have assigned you.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Summer Reading
Enjoy your summer while enhancing your reading skills with Edgar Allan Poe.
Enrol our brand new reading class at Gobstopper.
Use this token to join the class: garcia-san-martin-p1-b2-esl-ae and discover the new superhero powers of this ereader tool.
The reading assignment is open until 30th August 2013! Enjoy!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
How to write an essay in ten steps
1. Examine the essay question carefully
o Highlight key words.
o Use the dictionary to check the meaning of any unfamiliar words, if allowed.
o Identify the task words that indicate what needs to be done, eg ‘discuss', ‘explain', ‘compare'.
o Identify the topic words that indicate the particular subject of the essay, eg the character of ‘Juliet' in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the ‘causes' of World War 1.
o Identify any limiting words that restrict the discussion to a particular area, eg in ‘Chapters 1-3', during the ‘nineteenth century'.
2. Finalize any necessary reading or research as background to the essay
o Be selective: use sources which are relevant and accessible.
o Write notes in your own words.
o Write down quotations that may be particularly useful, but ensure the source of these quotes is acknowledged if they're used.
o Take note of sources so they can be provided in footnotes and the bibliography.
3. Brainstorm your ideas in response to the question
o Jot down any relevant points.
o Make note of any relevant evidence or quotes that come to mind.
o Use a mind map to help stimulate lateral thinking.
4. Construct a thesis (idea/argument) that encapsulates the response to the question
o The thesis should be a statement that strongly expresses the overall response to the question.
o Avoid a thesis that's too simplistic – show thought has been put into some of the complexities behind the question.
o The thesis is the backbone of the essay – it will be stated in the introduction. It also needs to be referred to several times in the essay before restating it and demonstrating how it has been proven in the conclusion.
5. Write a plan for the response
o Order ideas in a logical sequence.
o Make sure every point in the plan is relevant to the question.
o After the plan has been written it should be clear where the essay is going.
6. Write the introduction
o Open up the discussion.
o Introduce the thesis.
o Indicate how the questions will be answered.
o Name any texts to be discussed, if appropriate.
o Engage the reader.
7. Write the main body of the essay
o Ensure each point is given a new paragraph.
o Use words or phrases at the start of each paragraph that will indicate to the reader how it relates to the previous paragraph, eg, 'however', ‘in addition', ‘nevertheless', ‘moreover'.
o Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly links the paragraph to the rest of the essay.
o Provide supporting evidence for each point that you make.
o Revisit the thesis, and express it in different ways if possible, to emphasise how the question is being addressed.
8. Write your essay conclusion
o Summarise the main ideas.
o Demonstrate how you have proven your thesis.
o Finish with an interesting or thought-provoking, but relevant, comment.
9. Edit the draft
o Check for spelling, punctuation and grammar.
o Delete any sections that are not particularly relevant.
o Change vocabulary to improve expression.
o Seek feedback from peers or a teacher before writing the final copy.
10. Write the final copy
o Add any footnotes or bibliography if required.
o Present a clean, neat copy.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Learning English Through Video Clips
Lots of Free English Video Lessons to listen, understand, learn vocabulary and extend your comprehension.
TeacherPhil.com is a Youtube channel with thousands of videos to learn English with American accent; they explain vocabulary, grammar, expressions, idioms, and lots of other language issues.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)