Beginning ESL Syllabus

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

Vocabulary Units

To be: introduction
Subject Pronouns

Present Continuous Tense

Second 6-weeks

Possessive Adjectives
Adjectives
Possessive Nouns

Prepositions of Location

Third 6-weeks

Fourth 6-weeks

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

Describing
Events &
Activities

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

Languages &
Nationalities
Habitual Actions
Peoples Interests
& Activities
Describing
People
Feelings &

Reading & Literature Focus

Literal v. Figurative

Components of a Story
Identifying Main Idea
Identifying Theme

Making Applications

Characterization
Point of View

Using Context Clues

Reading Expository Text

Connecting to World Culture

Conflict & Resolution

Characterization

The Epic Hero

Predicting/Foreshadowing
Making Inferences
Recognizing Irony
Tone
Creating Suspense

Imagery

Emotions

Fifth 6-weeks

Can
Have to
Future: going to

Want to

Abilities
Occupations
Expressing
Obligations
Invitations
Telling Time

Setting and Scene

Using Effective Dialogue
Dramatic Irony
The Characteristics of a
Drama

Ailments & the

Doctors Office

Sixth 6-weeks

Regular Past Tense

Irregular Past Tense
Wh- questions

To be: past tense

Describing
Events

Reasons &
Excuses
Television
Commercials

Describing
Physical States
& Emotion

Biographies &
Autobiographies

Symbolism
Interpreting Elements of
Design

Recognizing Propaganda
Persuasive Techniques
Researching Information
Identifying Historical Contex