Beginning ESL Syllabus

Mrs. Maggie Mullaj

Textbook: Side By Side (Longman)
Voices in Literature (Heinle & Heinle)
Course Description: This class will allow students to develop Basic English vocabulary and grammatical structures so that they can
successfully communicate. Also, students will develop literary and analytical skills which will enable them to be successful in future
courses.
Specific units are described in the scope and sequence on the following pages. Every unit will develop students Listening, Speaking,
Reading, and Writing skills:
Listening: Students will listen to English from native speakers via their teacher and other media. They will also listen to
English spoken by their peers. They must focus their attention on the speakers message in order to comprehend and
produce a meaningful response.
Speaking: Students will have the daily opportunity to practice speaking in structured conversations with their peers.
Also, there will be several projects which require the students to present information to the class using newly acquired
English skills.
Reading: Students will be reading a variety of modified texts, including short stories, poetry, and expository writing,
with guidance and support from their teacher and peers. Students will learn various strategies to help them comprehend
a text in their second language. They will also learn analytical skills necessary to interpret both literature and images.
Writing: Students will be writing on a daily basis, practicing the grammar structures and the new vocabulary. They will
write a variety of personal narratives, descriptions, reports, poems, and reflections based on the literature. They will
also have the opportunity to create their own works of creative fiction in response to various texts.

Students will be visiting the computer lab on a weekly basis to practice English using the ReadingSmart software.

Grading: Grades will be calculated as follows:

10% Journal
50% Assignments & Quizzes
30% Tests & Projects
10% Homework
Beginning ESL: Scope & Sequence

Grammatical Concepts
First 6-weeks

To be: introduction
Subject Pronouns
Present Continuous Tense

Vocabulary Units

Second 6-weeks

Possessive Adjectives
Adjectives
Possessive Nouns

Prepositions of Location

Introductions
Personal
Information
Locations
Everyday
Activities
Everyday
Activities (cont.)
Describing
People and
Things
Weather
Family Members
Describing
Events &
Activities

Reading & Literature Focus

Literal v. Figurative

Components of a Story
Identifying Main Idea
Identifying Theme

Making Applications

Characterization
Point of View

Using Context Clues

Texts
Various Proverbs and
Fables

The Three Little Pigs

The True
Story of the
Three Little
Pigs
Various
cultural
versions of
"Cinderella"

Third 6-weeks

Fourth 6-weeks

Prepositions
There is/There are
Singular/Plural

Places Around
Town
Clothing

This/That/These/Those

Colors

Simple Present Tense

Object Pronouns
Have/Has

Adverbs of Frequency

Fifth 6-weeks

Languages &
Nationalities
Habitual Actions
Peoples Interests
& Activities
Describing
People

Feelings &
Emotions
Abilities
Occupations
Expressing
Obligations
Invitations
Telling Time

Can
Have to
Future: going to

Want to

Ailments & the

Doctors Office

Describing
Events

Reading Expository Text

Connecting to World Culture

Conflict & Resolution

Characterization

The Epic Hero

Predicting/Foreshadowing
Making Inferences
Recognizing Irony
Tone
Creating Suspense

Imagery

Setting and Scene

Using Effective Dialogue
Dramatic Irony
The Characteristics of a
Drama

A History of
Greek
Mythology
The Odyssey

The Cask of
Amontillado
The Tell-Tale Heart
The Raven

Expository
text about
Shakespeare
and the
tradition of
the theatre
Romeo & Juliet

Sixth 6-weeks

Regular Past Tense

Irregular Past Tense
Wh- questions

To be: past tense

Reasons &
Excuses
Television
Commercials
Describing
Physical States
& Emotion
Biographies &
Autobiographies

Symbolism
Interpreting Elements of
Design

Recognizing Propaganda
Persuasive Techniques
Researching Information
Identifying Historical Context

Various
Holocaust
Propaganda
Various Gulf
War
Propaganda
Various Print
Ads
Expository
text about the
Holocaust
My Secret Camera