Did I Make Myself Clear?

Of all the videos I’ve watched about language learning, the most memorable is one where Stephen Krashen—a linguist, researcher, and all-around rock star in the world of ESL—illustrates how to make “input” comprehensible.   ("Input" is essentially language meant to convey a message.)  It’s an oldie, but a goodie—in two minutes, Krashen shows the power of a few simple actions to get a message across.  Any teachers of English learners can easily incorporate these actions with good effect in their own classrooms.  Check out this very short video.  (You can disregard the Portuguese subtitles--unless, of course, you're learning Portuguese!) 

    

Welcome to The ESL Edge!

Are you a teacher who’s worried about reaching the English learners in your classroom? 

You’re not alone!

I'm Rita.  I teach English as a Second Language in a public middle school.  Teaching is a second career for me, and it is the adventure of a lifetime!  My husband is an English learner, as are many of my friends.  I adore my students and their families.  I spend a lot of time thinking about language, and how it’s learned.  I'm also trying to improve my Spanish and Portuguese--I've traveled and know what it’s like to be the “non-native speaker”.  (Lots of embarrassing stories there.)  Like all teachers, I think my subject area is the most important.  (Yup, I said it.)  I also feel that a critical part of my role is to help other educators with multilingual students.  With that end in mind…

A blog is born!

I hope this is a place where you will find tools, advice, support and community.  If you don’t see what you need, just ask!  It’s certain someone else needs it, too.  I hope to cover a wide variety of topics, always with the busy teacher in mind.