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America English School - Petach Tikva, Israel

I am an American who has been teaching English in Israel for 32 years. I have found my work very challenging and rewarding as most children in Israel really strive to know English. I recently retired from the formal school system and am still working in an afternoon school program called “America English School.”

 

Normally, according to the ministry of education, regular classes start to acquire English as a second language in the fourth grade. However, many schools in Israel allow teachers to begin English in the second and third grade. Teachers usually teach the oral skills through games, drama, songs and visual aids. The written skills are usually taught at a later stage after the reading stages.

 

Children are normally very creative and especially talented in their oral skills. I began to take advantage of these skills by using songs and drama. These are two excellent ways to encourage all children but especially gifted ones. They especially enjoyed learning English through songs and they acquired many skills such as vocabulary and grammatical structures. More importantly they learned about different cultures through the music and their English has improved tremendously.

 

Everyone is aware of how important it is to know English. The whole world uses English as an international language. Children should be given the opportunities to stay on their own preferred paths to excellence. Since English is a very prestigious subject within the Israeli curriculum, it is vital to expose these children to a variety of opportunities for success.

 

Last year I decided to teach my fourth graders many of the curriculum subjects through different songs and chants. I saw the enthusiasm as many kids would remark that they would like to stay longer when the bell rang. I found the learners imitating the language and even the accent. The atmosphere was always relaxed and so much fun. This convinced me even more that the method was well worth the hard work and I decided that a large part of my lessons would be for teaching reading through songs and music.

 

Youtube (http://www.youtube.com) is a phenomenal resource for finding great ways of teaching and of course songs. I came across a unit by the GiggleBellies which offers wonderful songs on youtube and started teaching the songs. (http://thegigglebellies.com/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=967nQBNK7Sw

 

 

 

I immediately realized how resourceful the songs could be for my ESL teaching and for others around the world. I contacted them and told them I had begun writing worksheets and although their DVD was basically for toddlers and small children I was sure it would be a hit. I began writing worksheets (17) and the GigggleBellies collaborated with me. There are different exercises and skills on each one according to the songs.  I donated this unit which is now being used by thousands of children, educators and their parents around the world. I am including it for all of the educators around the world to implement in their classes. These worksheets and songs will help improve listening and oral skills with your students and even for young learners. It will also stimulate creativity and assist in writing and reading skills. And more importantly children will acquire new vocabulary in an enjoyable way. It is a known fact that when children enjoy the learning process, their achievements also improve.

 

Last but not least, we sent the GiggleBellies a short movie of my fourth grade class singing. I invite you to watch it on youtube here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=967nQBNK7Sw

With over 110,000 views, we are honored and happy to share this movie with the cooperation of the GiggleBellies whom I have never met personally, only through the power of the Internet, enjoy!

 

Marsha Goren

http://www.globaldreamers.org

Founder

America English School

Petach Tikva, Israel

gorenmm@gmail.com

                                     GB-DVD-product__95886_zoom.jpg 

 

The Award Winning DVD -Created by Kerry Johnson Miller and Pauline Saab

 

 

 


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This song is an educational song about forests composed by me. It was submitted to Global Rockstar Contest so feel free to vote if you like it by clicking HEART below the video. Find the sheet music attached.

 

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http://www.global-rockstar.net/act-now-forest-matters

 

 

 

 

 

3 Kudos
keypress

Sketchpad Sketch Exchange

Status: Key Curriculum Press
by WAT Partner on 06-06-2011 01:51 PM - last edited on 06-29-2011 03:08 PM by Community Manager

Love The Geometer's Sketchpad®? Sign up for Sketch Exchange, our free online community for Sketchpad fans, and show off your favorite sketches!   

By participating in the Sketch Exchange online community, you can:

 

  • download Sketchpad sketches for classroom use
  • share Sketchpad activities and resources with peers
  • connect with educators in the community forum
  • browse the site by grade levels, topics, and tags


Explore Sketch Exchange, and get sketching!

2 Kudos

200px_crabtree-character-education.png

Crabtree has a growing list of downloadable Teacher’s Guides that are written by experienced educators and curriculum coordinators. These comprehensive guides are designed to meet the needs of classroom teachers.

All downloadable Teacher’s Guides include:

  • Key curriculum correlations
  • Unit goals and objectives
  • Detailed teaching timetable to assist in planning
  • Vocabulary charts to introduce all subject-specific terminology
  • Comprehensive lesson plans with modifications to meet the needs of all students
  • Blackline masters
  • Assessment guides and rubrics
1 Kudos
learninga-z

FREE Teacher Samples

Status: Learning A-Z
by WAT Partner on 05-02-2011 02:17 PM

Our websites help you meet the needs of ALL your students with instant access to thousands of books and supporting resources for differentiated instruction at minimal cost.

Hundreds of downloadable leveled readers and thousands of other printable materials to teach reading.

Interactive books for kids to listen to and read online -- plus online quizzes and a management tool for teachers.

Complete skill-based packets for one-on-one instruction in various tutoring settings.

Customizable vocabulary lessons to teach words through context and meaning and match class topics.

Comprehensive, printable leveled writing program to improve composition skills and raise test scores.

Science units at multiple reading levels with books, lessons, and experiments covering a variety of themes.

Find useful information, up-to-date findings and creative techniques that offer new ways to engage and teach.


68i09D1E36CC9765DF3

 

Go to Learning A-Z's profile

2 Kudos
WATstaff

Studentreasures' Resources

Status: Studentreasures
by WAT Staff on 08-23-2010 02:13 PM - last edited on 09-20-2010 03:27 PM

 

Find useful information, up-to-date findings and creative techniques that offer new ways to engage and teach.

 

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Go to Studentreasures profile

 

 

 

 

Free K-6 Project

This Studentreasures® School-Wide publishing program is entirely FREE! Every K-2 classroom gets a collaborative Classbook free. Students in grades 3-6 get their own individual book free. Includes free Teacher’s Guides…

Free Classroom Project

Also FREE, this Studentreasures® Classbook project will teach students the importance of teamwork. Each teacher gets a FREE Classbook Publishing Kit, Teacher’s Guide, Lesson Plan and the collaborative student-created book…

 

  •  Free Student Publishing Programs

http://www.studentreasures.com/publishingprograms/

 

  • Book Ideas

http://www.studentreasures.com/bookideas/

 

  • Teacher Tips

http://www.studentreasures.com/teacherstips/

 

 

Flip Through a Sample Book

Into the Wild Roller Coaster of the Human Body

 

The Love of Nature's Creatures

 

Discover America: An Alphabet Book

75i4013357DD1CC023A

 

Go to Studentreasures profile

1 Kudos
pearson

Studies Prove the Efficacy of WriteToLearn

Status: Pearson
by WAT Partner on 03-25-2011 03:41 PM

 

Demonstrating Reading & Writing Performance Gains - highlighting research and case studies that prove the efficacy of WriteToLearn.

1 Kudos
Staff

Downloadable Graphic Organizers

Status: Crabtree Publishing
by WAT Staff on 12-07-2010 02:53 PM

Free Graphic Organizers

 

200px_crabtree-character-education.pngGraphic organizers are powerful tools to support content-area literacy in the classroom. Graphic organizers help students construct meaning, organize information, and isolate key concepts. The graphic organizers listed below can be used with Crabtree books to facilitate content-area instruction, reading comprehension, and writing and note-taking skills. Click on the links below to download these free graphic organizers.

 

 

1 Kudos
Staff

Reviews / Download our Catalog

Status: Crabtree Publishing
by WAT Staff on 12-07-2010 02:51 PM

Free Catalog

 

200px_crabtree-character-education.pngDownload Crabtree Classromm PreK - 9 Curriculum Books and Resources.

 

1 Kudos
Staff

Fresno Pacific Blog

Status: Fresno Pacific University
by WAT Staff on 09-03-2010 09:03 AM - last edited on 12-21-2010 04:10 PM by WAT Staff

 

 

52i5AA3396F414E98BD

 

Go to Fresno Pacific University

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Communicating online effectively
7/22/10 5:00 PM
When we communicate online with others, hurt feelings can result if we are not careful.   Last week, I experienced some of this in my current online doctorate class.  I don’t believe my classmates meant to do this but nevertheless, I felt criticized after many hours of hard work and it caused me not to want [...]

 The World is Open

 

 

 

 

52i5AA3396F414E98BD

 

Go to Fresno Pacific University

1 Kudos
Staff

Fresno Pacific Conference

Status: Fresno Pacific University
by WAT Staff on 09-03-2010 08:55 AM - last edited on 12-21-2010 04:08 PM by WAT Staff

 

52i5AA3396F414E98BD

 

Go to Fresno Pacific University

 

 

 

Conferences

 

Leadership 3.0 Symposium Conference

 

 

 The Leadership 3.0 Symposium Conference is a collaborative effort of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), Computer Using Educators, Inc (CUE) and Technology Information Center for Administrative Leadership (TICAL).

 

Download Syllabus
Register Today!

 

 


5th Annual Central Valley Region VII Literacy Conference

 

 

5th Annual Central Valley Region VII Literacy Conference, May 19, 2010, Fresno, CA. Through a conference format, this course will focus on literacy and offers several breakout sessions, to include presentations by keynote speakers Dr Kate Kinsella, Dr Michael Smith, Dr Timothy Shanahan and Dr Lesley Morrow.
Register Today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

15th Annual Technology in Education Conference

 

 

15th Annual Technology in Education Conference in Pasadena, Ca. Focus: Using a conference format, this course is designed to bring best practice solutions to educators across the country an opportunity to earn college credit by attending General Sessions, Workshop and Focus Sessions, Exhibits, Hands-on Computer Labs, Keynote and General Sessions.
Register Today!

 

 

52i5AA3396F414E98BD

 

Go to Fresno Pacific University

1 Kudos
WATstaff

PCI Education Resources

Status: PCI Education
by WAT Staff on 08-23-2010 02:24 PM - last edited on 08-28-2010 12:46 PM

Find useful information, up-to-date findings and creative techniques that offer new ways to engage and teach.

 

76iA81F7C0FEECC2F2C

 

Go to PCI Education profile

 

 

 

Visit our website for the following:

 

  • Company News & Articles
  • Special Education & Learning Differences Blog
  • Video about the PCI Reading Program
  • Video Introduction of Environmental Print Series by Lee Wilson
  • AEP Awards on PCI Blog
  • PCI News - Two PCI Products win AEP Awards
  • PCI News - PCI Reading Program Research
  •  

     

    Ask The Author

     

     

    The PCI Reading Program

     

    PCI Environmental Print Series

     

    77i097AAFA985F08EF8

     

     

    Go to PCI Education profile

     

     

     

     

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    WATstaff

    End-of-Year Printables Collection

    Status: WeAreTeachers Provided
    by WAT Staff 2 weeks ago - last edited 2 weeks ago by WAT Staff

    As the end of the school year approaches, we'll be posting new printables here for your soon-to-be graduates. Share and enjoy!

     

    Congratulations

     

    Congratulations.png

     

    You Did It!


    YouDidIt.png

     

    2011-2012 Favorite's List

    20112012favoriteslist.png

    Journal Prompt: School Year Do-Over

    schoolyeardoover.png

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    Twenty-five lessons. Infinite possibilities.

     

    DreamBox Learning’s free Teacher Tools for Interactive Whiteboards are ready for use in elementary classrooms with any type of interactive whiteboard. These high quality, virtual manipulative tools help teachers connect students to great ways to make sense of math. In addition, they create an environment for students to explain, discuss, and defend their mathematical thinking. 

     

    interactive-whiteboard-teacher-tools.jpg

     

    The virtual manipulative teacher tools provide 25 lessons for grades K-4. The mathematical topics align with the Common Core State Standards and include addition, subtraction, number sense, and equivalence with whole numbers and fractions. The lessons also align with the Standards for Mathematical Practice by promoting students’ ability to:

     

    • Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them
    • Reason abstractly and quantitatively
    • Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others
    • Model with mathematics
    • Attend to precision
    • Look for and make use of structure

    Click here to view DreamBox Learning’s Interactive Whiteboard Teacher Tools for:

    • Kindergarten (7 lessons)
    • Grade 1 (5 lessons)
    • Grade 2 (4 lessons)
    • Grade 3 (5 lessons)
    • Grade 4 (4 lessons)

    The numbers or fractions you use with the tools can be changed each time, so the numbers of lessons are virtually endless.

     

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    LOOKING FOR FREE RESOURCES TO USE IN YOUR CLASSROOM?  

     

    Crabtree has wide variety of teacher guides in various subject areas to complement and support our book series.

     

    All downloadable Teacher’s Guides include:

    • Key curriculum correlations
    • Unit goals and objectives
    • Detailed teaching timetable to assist in planning
    • Vocabulary charts to introduce all subject-specific terminology
    • Comprehensive lesson plans with modifications to meet the needs of all students
    • Blackline masters
    • Assessment guides and rubrics

    Visit Crabtree to download your free teacher guides today: http://www.crabtreebooks.com/teachers_guides.php

    To learn more about Crabtree Publishing, visit http://www.crabtreebooks.com

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    Now - Free Teacher Accounts in Learning.com

    We're offering Free Accounts - with all the tools to create engaging digital lessons, and find and share other teachers' resources. You'll also have access to searchable, standards-aligned free resources from companies like NASA and the American Museum of Natural History.

    • Find and assign curriculum that fits your students needs quickly and easily
    • Browse from over 10,000 free content items produced by teachers for teachers
    • Find free and fee-based, professionally produced content from premier providers
    • Search by standard and subject

    Includes classroom management tools, and the ability to journal and message with your students. How cool is that?

    Watch this short one-minute video that explains it all: http://bit.ly/plHoR9

     

    FreeTeacher Video.jpg

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    K-12 Tech Tools (http://edutechdatabase.wikispaces.com/) is a database of over 1000 free, kid-safe, online resources. The website was built to save teachers time (researching for supplementary educational websites/tools) and to improve teachers' use of technology in the classroom. The resources are categorized by grade level, subject, and common core standard. Check it out!

     

    edtech.jpg

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    Learning A-Z’s Bi-Monthly Marketing eNews received a Beacon Award in the category of Marketing
    Newsletter.

    “We are very pleased that in addition to being named as finalists in six categories for
    the AEP awards, two of our companies and their products and services are honored as
    winners of these highly regarded awards,” noted John Campbell, President of Cambium
    Learning Technologies. “Winning these types of industry awards from AEP is additional
    evidence that our customers and peers see value in the products and services we continue
    to develop.”

     

    Read more...

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    New York, NY, June 22,2011 – Small businesses interested in starting or expanding
    sales of their goods and services overseas now have access to a free online tool that
    will gauge their readiness to export and help them develop an export business plan.


    “Creating jobs through exporting is one of the nation’s top economic priorities, as
    the President indicated when he launched the National Export Initiative,” said
    SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills. “Giving exporters the tools to do their part in
    this effort is essential. The new Export Business Planner is one such tool and will
    serve businesses in the critical process of planning for their success.”

     

    Read more...

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    Since the iPad's release in April of 2010, the device has found its way into both homes and classrooms. It's amazing to see the number of educational apps available on the market. Some mix games with reading, while others focus strictly on promoting literacy. It seems that most all children love the ability to interact with mobile devices, but can these devices be a learning tool particularly well suited for kids with autism? For many apps, the answer is yes. Read more.