Mrs. Verbit's Room

Learning is Social

2011-04-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

Man is a social animal. We like to speak with others, eat with others, play and watch sports with others, be in romantic and friendly relationships with other, and we like to learn with others.

Not only do we learn with others all the way from pre-school through graduate school, in the sense of sharing a classroom, we also learn from our peers.

It is not only the teacher who gives us information, models new skills and explains difficult concepts: Our classmates are our teachers as well.

Is you ever watch children in a classroom, they are always helping each other with tasks and skills. The same is true in the adult education classroom. One prominent example of this takes place in the ESL classroom. More advanced students help less advanced ones. Students become friends and share conversation, humor and the challenges of learning a new language, in a new country, after a day of work, dealing with mates, children, bosses, bills and a host of issues specific to immigrants who are second language learners.

Te social aspect of learning makes learning possible by creating a safe, comfortable space in which students can relax and feel good about themselves while acquiring English-language skills.

Spring is Here!

2011-03-30T08:37:00.000-07:00

We are now in the midst of Spring Semester. We are studying Food this week and learning all about Thanksgiving. We are using Downtown 2 textbook and workbook, and the Heinle Picture Dictionary.

We had a special treat last week when we used technology in the classroom. Students called each other on their cell phones and spoke to each other across the room! Everyone had to use their listening and speaking abilities and the students had a good time while improving their communication skills.

End of Semester

2011-02-07T17:01:00.000-08:00

We are coming to the end of the Fall 2010 semester. I would like to thank all my ESL 2 and CBET/ESL/Computer students for a fun and productive semester.

Spring 2011 will begin on Monday, February 14, 2011.

ESL Going Strong

2011-01-19T16:42:00.000-08:00

Despite budget cuts, ESL is going strong. We are seeing students committed to learning English, getting jobs, getting a piece of the American Dream. Many obstacles to overcome. But students live in the moment, working, having fun with their families, raising their children. Helping each other. And they will continue to grow, because their intentions have planted within them the knowledge that where they are going is better than from whence they have come. And we are going to help them.

Welcome Back Students!

2010-09-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

Welcome back students! The Fall Semester has begun! Everyone is excited and enthusiastic. Keep up your excitement! That will keep you motivated to learn and progress. I look forward to our journey together.

Accreditation -- Round Two

2010-05-25T09:03:00.000-07:00

I must admit I was surprised at the efficacy of the last "cred" meeting. Even though we were asked to answer many questions which were completely out of the teacher's scope of information, i.e., administrative policies, etc., it was actually a positive experience going through the questions and discussing them. This week we will attempt to bring some answers to the table -- to find information, to define, hone, explicate...in other words, answer the questions in a meaningful way that will satisfy the requirements of the accreditation team. This is no exercise in futility -- this is a real endeavor that requires th thought, research, analysis and understanding in order to fulfill our mission of proving that we are accreditation-worthy. It is a school-wide effort and we are all key to its success. Stay tuned.

Accreditation -- Again

2010-05-18T09:19:00.001-07:00

We've had the orientation meeting -- tonight begins the work in earnest (how's that for an anachronistic expression). Richard Rose, the nicest person you'd ever want to meet, was tapped for the job of coordinating the evening ESL teachers. We will spend over an hour ( half an hour of our own time) going over esoteric, non-relevant questions which will eventually become part of a document defending ourselves, turned in to the Accreditation Team. If you want to know if we are doing our job -- look at the results. We are a vocational school. Are our students learning skills? Getting jobs? Learning English? We should do fine. We are an excellent school in a district fraught with problems, the least of which is insufficient funding. But we will do it -- one question at a time.

Spring is Just Around the Corner

2010-03-04T15:09:00.000-08:00

Our hearts and our thoughts go out to the people of Chile who are recovering from the devastating earthquake of last Saturday. May you only have joy in your rebuilding and may it be speedy.

Happy First Day of Spring Semester

2010-02-08T08:26:00.000-08:00

Welcome Students of WVOC! This will be a wonderful semester. With all the rain of winter, we can expect beautiful green lawns and trees and lots of flowers. Have a good first day in class and we look forward to learning a lot together!

Welcome Back Students!

2010-01-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

The holidays are over and the work, and joy, of learning English begins again. Are you going to do well? Make up your mind to succeed, and you will. Three weeks left to go this semester! Will you have perfect attendance? WVOC Students -- We're using Downtown 2 and the workbook.

Happy Holidays

2009-12-23T18:22:00.000-08:00

Dear ESL Students, Happy Holidays and a Very Happy New Year. Mrs. Verbit

Welcome ESL Computer Students

2009-12-11T05:41:00.000-08:00

Welcome ESL Computer students. You will be learning about how to use an iMac, how to access the Internet and how to help your children with their homework. Have a great class.

Using Downtown 2 by Ed McBride

2009-11-08T08:59:00.000-08:00

Using Downtown 2 foe ESL 2 -- it's such a great book -- the students really like it & use it consistently. I especially like the fact that the grammar is embedded in the content! Kudos to Ed!

Welcome Back Students!

2009-09-09T10:46:00.000-07:00

It's Fall Semester! Time to start studying again and devoting some time and energy to English! Some tips to get started:

* Always come to class prepared
* Bring a pencil, notebook, highlighter and your book(s)
* Bring a bilingual dictionary to class
* Have something to eat before you come to class -- it will help your concentration!
* Turn your cell phone off or to vibrate
* Participate as much as possible -- ask questions, write on the board, volunteer to read or give the answers to exercises
* Let the teacher know if you will be absent for more than a week, or if you can only come certain nights of the week
* Make friends with your classmates, it will make class more fun
* If you miss some nights, do the pages on your own so that you keep up with the class

and finally:

* Make some goals for yourself regarding your English learning, and stick to them!

I wish you all a wonderful school year! Mrs. Verbit

Summer School

2009-07-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

This summer is different. Summer school is shorter, the classes are smaller and it is hotter. But I notice that the students are happier. They are very engaged in the work, and do it with gusto! Is it because the class is 30 minutes shorter? We do a lot of grammar and vocabulary games and the students are right there with it. They will go to the board, they will sing, they bring cookies and snacks on Thursday night. I'm grateful and glad I'm teaching summer school. Mrs. Verbit

Welcome Back Veronica

2009-07-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

West Valley was lucky enough to get Veronica Montes, former head of AWEC at WVOC, and former principal of Garfield CAS, as our new Principal. She brings a lot of experience with her. We all look forward to working with you, Veronica. Best of luck as we go forward, Paula

Teaching ESL

2009-04-15T15:11:00.000-07:00

Teaching English as a Second Language is learning English all over again, from a different point of view. How to reach students? Get into their heads to see what they really understand? I notice different things every night. As students get more comfortable in class, laugh more, make more friends, their relationship with the language changes as well. Students generally group themselves by language, country or culture, but not always. There was the Israeli student, lively and beautiful, who made friends with all the young guys from El Salvador. She spoke some Spanish; they always managed to communicate. She lit up the class with her presence and created a lot of positive energy in the room. There was an older woman who was eccentric in her way, full of personality and life. She also brought so much to the class. I think of the many students I have known through the years and wonder where they are now. Did they continue with their studies? Get married? Have children? Get new jobs? ESL is a gateway through which many new Americans pass. The experience we give them can be one more productive, positive, even elevating use of their time as they work on building a life in a new country. West Valley Occupational Center is a good place to have that experience.

Voices in a New World

2009-04-03T20:14:00.000-07:00

I believe in my students and I treat them as if they have already achieved their goals. I am their cheerleader, advocate, mentor, consultant and the person that writes the new grammar concepts on the board.

But I find that they come to school for so much more. They come to be nurtured, validated and to learn to believe in themselves. They want to learn, they want to see their friends and they want a teacher who, they believe, understands them.

They are in a new country, with a new culture, and they have lost their voice. With me, I hope, they have the experience of regaining it. How do we show who we are? Through our words! If you don't have the words, how do you make yourself known? How do you connect to the larger culture around you? Learning to speak is learning to exist in a new world. I strive to be a worthy guide.

Congratulations Mr. Wormus!

2009-03-10T10:40:00.000-07:00

...on winning Adult School Principal of the Year!

S.K.I.L.L.S.

2008-11-23T14:36:00.000-08:00

S.K.I.L.L.S. is an acronym for a very long six word mission statement of the school. Boiled down, the school wants to create good communicators, dependable workers and responsible citizens. I teach ESL 2 where the words of the S.K.I.L.L.S. bookmark go beyond the comprehension of the beginning-high English student.

So, I made up a S.K.I.L.L.S. bulletin board (TM), using symbols to convey and teach S.K.I.L.L.S. to my students:

A pair of red lips over which is the word "talk"
A hammer and the word "work"
Two hands shaking above the words, "do the right thing"

My students understand the value of lifelong learning. They come four nights a week, most after working all day, sacrificing family and relaxation time, in order to learn English, better themselves and their lives. Kudos to these brave and diligent students who work for the goals of S.K.I.L.L.S.

Jump Right In

2008-11-23T14:32:00.001-08:00

The water is fine at WVOC! There is so much going on, I have gotten behind in blogging about it! Last week the school particpated in a blood drive with the Red Cross. The week before that, there was a fair put on by Automotive and some of the vocational classes. West Valley walks its talk -- get involved, contribute, make a difference. Also, Kudos to Susan Holtz for her October Bakery sale!

Giving

2008-11-23T14:27:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of Thanksgiving and community involvement, last week West Valley held a food drive for SOVA, a food bank which provides free food to those who need it. In my class, some students bough in food and others contributed money. We collected $65.00! Two generous helpers then went to the market and picked up the food. Room 20, ESL 2 contributed 3 cartons and 2 carton tops of food. We wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, and an abundant one! mrs.v.

West Valley Awards

2008-10-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

On Friday, November 7, three members of the West Valley Occupational Center (WVOC) staff will be honored by the California Council for Adult Education Fall Awards Banquet at Casa Italiana in Los Angeles. Assistant Principal, Don Kihara, will be presented with the E. Manfred Evans Award recognizing outstanding contributions to adult education by a district employee. Missy Stansbury will receive an Outstanding Classified Employee Award, and computer teacher Bettina Roe will receive a $250 mini grant to enhance instruction. Congratulations to all three on your achievements! You are all great assets to WVOC!

The New Wave

2008-10-15T13:59:00.001-07:00

The New Wave
People might be talking about hard times, but from what I see in my classes, my students are all doing well. They all have cell phones, Ipods and jobs! And one student told me about her daughter's Quincanera! $9,000 and $1,200 for the dress alone! We are now seeing many more students with good resources and high motivation to succeed. They are coming to school in record numbers! We need to re-think what we are teaching. We are already on a track to teach students practical English, English that will help them get further, possibly vocational training, and better jobs. We are building new futures here by showing students the benefits of learning English.

Mentors and Artists

2008-10-15T13:54:00.001-07:00

Mentors and Artists
It is always good to have a mentor. Ed McBride, author of the Downtown series (ESL books) has been a wonderful mentor to me. And he is a fabulous writer. Also, Eleanor Comegys of Fairfax and LA High Adult Schools has been a great inspiration. Eleanor brings her acting skills to the classroom, entertaining and enthralling students as she teaches and informs. She and Ed use their creativity in the arts in the classroom. When you are standing in front of 40 or more adults, especially at night, you better have something interesting to say! And they do!