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 speaker’s 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:
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10% Journal
50% Assignments & Quizzes
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30% Tests & Projects
10% Homework
Beginning ESL: Scope & Sequence
Grammatical Concepts
First 6-weeks
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To be: introduction
Subject Pronouns
Present Continuous Tense
Vocabulary Units
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Second 6-weeks
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Possessive Adjectives
Adjectives
Possessive Nouns
Prepositions of Location
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Third 6-weeks
Fourth 6-weeks
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Prepositions
There is/There are
Singular/Plural
This/That/These/Those
Simple Present Tense
Object Pronouns
Have/Has
Adverbs of Frequency
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Introductions
Personal
Information
Locations
Everyday
Activities
Everyday
Activities (cont.)
Describing
People and
Things
Weather
Family
Members
Describing
Events &
Activities
Places Around
Town
Clothing
Colors
Languages &
Nationalities
Habitual Actions
People’s
Interests &
Activities
Describing
People
Reading & Literature Focus
Literal v. Figurative
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Components of a Story
Identifying Main Idea
Identifying Theme
Making Applications
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Characterization
Point of View
Using Context Clues
Reading Expository Text
Connecting to World Culture
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Conflict & Resolution
Characterization
The Epic Hero
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Predicting/Foreshadowing
Making Inferences
Recognizing Irony
Tone
Creating Suspense
Imagery
Fifth 6-weeks
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Can
Have to
Future: going to
Want to
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Feelings &
Emotions
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Abilities
Occupations
Expressing
Obligations
Invitations
Telling Time
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Setting and Scene
Using Effective Dialogue
Dramatic Irony
The Characteristics of a
Drama
Ailments & the
Doctor’s Office
Sixth 6-weeks
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Regular Past Tense
Irregular Past Tense
Wh- questions
To be: past tense
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Describing
Events
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Reasons &
Excuses
Television
Commercials
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Describing
Physical States
& Emotion
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Biographies &
Autobiographies
Symbolism
Interpreting Elements of
Design
Recognizing Propaganda
Persuasive Techniques
Researching Information
Identifying Historical Contex