Language & Cultural Services
LCS Bulletin - October 31, 2016
Are Language Frames Good for English Learners?
The question seems sort of silly, right?
Language frames, also called sentence frames, are commonly recommended and widely used as a way of providing support for English learners in oral discussions and writing.
Examples include:
I agree with ______________ but would also add _____________________.
The reason I think ___________________ is because __________________.
While there are obvious benefits to scaffolding students’ language and use of complete sentences, frames should be used strategically to be effective. Sentence frames are intended to support students in producing language that they wouldn’t be able to produce on their own. The frame provides a model of language that is just beyond their current level of proficiency (a la i + 1). Read more here to find out how to use sentence frames effectively to support your English Learners.
History of El Día de los Muertos - Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead is an interesting holiday celebrated in central and southern Mexico during the chilly days of November 1 & 2. Even though this coincides with the Catholic holiday called All Soul's & All Saint’s Day, the indigenous people have combined this with their own ancient beliefs of honoring their deceased loved ones.
They believe that the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31, and the spirits of all deceased children (angelitos) are allowed to reunite with their families for 24 hours. On November 2, the spirits of the adults come down to enjoy the festivities that are prepared for them.
In most Indian villages, beautiful altars (ofrendas) are made in each home. They are decorated with candles, buckets of flowers (wild marigolds called cempasuchil & bright red cock's combs) mounds of fruit, peanuts, plates of turkey mole, stacks of tortillas and big Day-of-the-Dead breads called pan demuerto. The altar needs to have lots of food, bottles of soda, hot cocoa and water for the weary spirits. Toys and candies are left for the angelitos, and on Nov. 2, cigarettes and shots of mezcal are offered to the adult spirits. Little folk art skeletons and sugar skulls, purchased at open-air markets, provide the final touches.
Read more here about the history and celebration of El Día de los Muertos.
Tulsa PS Students Learning and Celebrating El Día de los Muertos
by Cassie Nodine, Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art
The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art, in partnership with the Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, recently celebrated the opening of the anticipated 2016 “Sugar Skulls and Candles: Ways of Remembering” art exhibition. This exhibit features Oklahoma Hispanic artists and local Tulsa students who created works that touch on traditions and related experiences of two historical cultures: the Jewish people and the Hispanic community.
“Sugar Skulls and Candles” symbolizes the historical traditions from both cultures to honor loved ones who have passed. In addition to the adult artists, Tulsa Public students from Rogers College Junior High School and Webster High School created artistic skulls and candles for the student show. Teachers Susan Kleps, Cara Lovell, and Lakrisa Walker facilitated student entries to the Museum’s newest art show, which is on display at the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art through February 26, 2017.
Great job #teamtulsa
Hey #SuccessTPS!
I wanted to send a HUGE congratulatory email for the district with the best usage of Strategies over the past 30 days. This is a true testament to the work that each of you have put in and the tremendous work of your ELD teachers. You all are doing great things for and with your ELLs and we are honored to be a partner with you!
Webinar: Twenty Years of Promoting Academic Language and Literacy with the SIOP Model: Past, Present, and Future
Time: 6:00pm to 7:00pm
To celebrate the SIOP Model’s 20th year anniversary, Jennifer Himmel and Deborah Short will describe and showcase professional learning tools and instructional practices for integrating academic English and content knowledge informed by the SIOP’s research base. During this interactive webinar, the presenters will highlight effective approaches towards the implementation of the SIOP Model under current educational policies and different instructional contexts, and demonstrate SIOP learning through video and activities.
Día de los Muertos
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Missed a Department Meeting?
Elementary ELD Department Meetings
Language & Cultural Services Events
Week of October 31, 2016
Former EL Monitoring begins in InClass
November 4, 2:30pm - Interpreter and Translator Skill Building Training (Edivate)
November 5, 8:30am - OABE Fall Conference in OKC (Pre-registration required)
Week of November 7, 2016
Former EL Monitoring via InClass
November 9, 4:00pm - Spanish for Educators (Edivate)
November 10, 3:45pm - ELD Department Meeting (Elementary)
November 10, 4:45pm - ELD Department Meeting (Secondary)
November 12, 8:00am - SIOP Saturday: Comprehensible Input
All events are listed in MyLearningPlan unless otherwise noted. Please pre-register and verify session location in MLP.
Check out the Language & Cultural Services events calendar for future events.