This is for those who attended the session at TESL Ontario 2012: Sorry for the Signup Glitch, Folks

Like me, some of you had difficulty jumping through Google's phone/SMS verification hoop this afternoon, for which I apologize.

Sample CALL Assignment

This afternoon, we continue on the theme of driving in Ontario, especially in winter.

1. On your blog, write an email to a friend who will be visiting you in February with advice on winter driving in Ontario. Use "because," "because of," and "due to."
2. Listen and Role Play: A Drive-through Restaurant 
3. Listening: Watch and Click on CC on G and G2 Road Tests. Take dictation on the last 30 seconds of the video, and post it on your blog.
4. Listening Comprehension: Road Test 

Click below to check your work against the Dictation Script.

Thursday's Field Trip and Wednesday's Assignment

On Thursday, we're going to the Ontario Science Centre as a school.

Those leaving from Don Mills Station should meet Tanya at 9:15 a.m. inside the station near the Coffee Shop.

The meeting time at Ontario Science Centre is 10 a.m., and the fee is $2 per adult. Please do not be late.

Hmm, I wonder what Remembrance Day is known as in the United States. Do they call it Poppy Day or Remembrance Day? What do you think?

Our assignment today looks beyond Canada's involvement in war and includes that of our allies (click to read more):

Business Opportunity: Online Coupons

Those of you who are looking for a nice place to ski nearby can try Snow Valley in Barrie.



There's this deal for $29 where you get both lift tickets and rentals.

Maybe we'll see you there at March Break or something!

Full Disclosure: I get a few bucks of Wagjag credit for every purchase through this link. So feel free to help build my new marble palace on Bridle Path, or become a Wagjag partner yourself.

Sample Field Trip Report

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS OLD AND YOUNG AT RYERSON

Blow wind, come wrack, at least 10 MicroSkills participants showed up this morning at Ryerson University's ENG Building through fog and filthy air.

Just before stepping within, we, too, had a moment to ponder the row of Bixi Bikes at the side of the building.

 

Sample CALL Assignment 3

Welcome to our week's theme on Education. Going to college or university is not easy, not the least of which reason is finances!

What are some ways you could minimize the financial damage?

 

1. Listening and Vocab: Slogging through University
2. Explore and discuss with a partner post-secondary financial assistance options.
3. Watch the video and write transcript of the third point regarding OSAP; then check with provided transcript.

Sample Links

Student Blogs

Maryam http://pouya3686.blogspot.ca/
Maria http://rmarysia35.blogspot.com/
Justyna http://mycanadianexperiences.blogspot.com/
Michael http://challenge8888blog.blogspot.com/
Sergio http://sergiocolombian.blogspot.com/

Resources

The Canadian Accent http://www.fonetiks.org/engsou2ca.html
Grammar Exercises for Learners http://www.esltower.com/grammarquizzes.html
Many Things ESL, on Speaking, Listening, Reading, Vocabulary, etc. http://www.manythings.org/
ELLLO Online Video Lessons http://www.elllo.org/
Dr. Ron Lee's ESL Site http://rong-chang.com/

Sample CALL Assignment 2

The Olympic Games are finally underway, and just in time for theme this week of Canada in the Global Village! How does Canada fit into the global village?

1. Update your blog with your experience on our field trip to Black Creek Pioneer Village. Feel free to "borrow" pictures and video from this blog to illustrate your writing.
2. Watch and blog your transcript on first 20 seconds of this report.
3. Watch Christine Sinclair's second goal against South Africa (below), discuss it with a classmate. Begin your sentences with the right conditional forms: "If I (be) Christine Sinclair ..."; "If the ball (hit, not) the crossbar ..."; "It is a goal if the ball (cross) the line."

Transcript answer to no. 2:

Sample Field Trip Announcement

Field Trip Next Month: Journey of Optimism


Our field trip with the school is on Friday, December 24, our last day of school before it reopens on January 10.
Please meet at 9:55 a.m. at Sheppard Yonge on the Southbound platform (those who want to leave earlier from Don Mills Station with other classes can meet at that station at 9 a.m.). As you will need to take a ferry to Centre Island, don't forget to bring $7 for the fare.
You might wish to bring a camera, sunblock, sunglasses, sports/recreational equipment, and water and snacks. At noon, we'll be meeting with everybody near the Harbour Tours Kiosk (no. 13 on some maps, but look out for your MicroSkills friends!) for a group photo and picnic lunch.

Sample CALL Assignment 1

Enjoy the following exercise on our theme this week of Landlords & Tenants.

1. Complete all the edits on your blog and do an update.
2. Listening & Role Play: Listen to and read along with the following podcast twice before practising the dialogue with a partner: Renting an Apartment
3. Vocabulary & Pronunciation: Learn the vocabulary words and do the exercise on Renting Apartments.