Wow! We are at Week 7 already!! Time Flies when you're having fun....

This week is the final week for WORKSHOPS!!

Take advantage of the following opportunities:

MONDAY

 
1. Current Events/Vocab Workshop with Stephen

(levels 5-9)

Using current stories in the news, discuss current events and expand your vocabulary in the process.  Topics are interesting and current!

When: Monday

Where: D301

Time: 3-4:30 pm

2. Writing Skills Workshop with Arjola 

 (levels 5-9)

Develop an outline for academic writing, brainstorm with your peers and learn how to organize your thoughts.

When: Monday

Where: D306

Time: 3-4:30 pm

TUESDAY AND THURSDAY

3. SUMMARY/PARAPHRASE WORKSHOP (levels 4-9)

Practice essential skills of Summary and Paraphrase in a small group setting. All skills will be integrated and your Peer Leaders are there to faciliate!

When: Tues(sched A) and Thurs(sched B)

Where: D302 Thurs; D307 on Tuesdays (

Time: 12:00-1:30 pm

WEDNESDAY

4. SPEAK UP! (levels 4-9)

Want to improve your speaking? Meet new people and improve your confidence in conversation using games and role plays . This 6-week workshop will focus on conversation and speaking skills in a FUN and active atmosphere!

When: Wednesdays

Where: D309

Time: 3:00 to 4:30 pm

FRIDAY

 5. TOEFL Skills Workshop with Sina 

Not sure how to study for TOEFL?  Want to build your language skills effectively?  Need to obtain a high score?  Learn some of the tricks needed to ace the test from a Peer Leader who did exactly that!

When: Friday

Where: D306

Time: 3:30-5:30 pm

Don't forget about the range of useful supports  at GBC:

1.  Peer Tutors are available M-F in room C503, building C
2.  Peer Leaders are available to support you and your study groups (D304A) M-F:  Check the schedule on the door of D304A.

Caravan was an absolute BLAST!!  Thanks to you, we had a amazing celebration featuring mouthwatering dishes, informative displays and interactive events!  Thanks to everyone for all of their amazing efforts to make Caravan 2010 a huge success!!  If you have pictures that you would like to share with our ESL community, email Dorothy or the Coordinators with your photos and we will share them in a slide-show on the blog!  Looking forward to your submissions!!!

Two Great Website Recommendations:

 Check out the following websites.  Just click on the name of the link and it will take you directly to the website! 

1. From Lorraine, our wonderful ESL Librarian: 

"Try out CBC Archives. (click this link!) It's a wonderful site with short radio and television clips on a variety of topics. It also gives a short summary behind the clip and a 'Did you know?' tab that gives more info. on the topic."

 

 2.   From Babak, one of our illustrious Peer Liaisons to improve your Keyboarding Skills:

"Here is a very good free site to learn how type with all fingers. I think many students need it."  Click below to check it out:
Good Typing

Have  a site you would like to recommend?  Suggestions always welcome!!

Next Monday:  Check the blog for Caravan Photos and for Highlights from Celina Costa's Emailing Etiquette Workshop!
Good luck on your final assessments!!!

We're at the midway point. Here's what's happening this week

  

Caravan Meetings:  It isn't too late to get involved!!  Take part in planning meetings after school and showcase your country and culture to the GBC community!!

ESL BOOK SALE:
Where:  D315
Dates:  Wed Nov 17th to Fri Nov 20th
Time:  12:30-4:30pm

All proceeds go to the United Way!

WORKSHOPS AT THE SCHOOL OF ESL

MONDAYS

1. Current Events Workshop with Stephen  
(levels 6-9)
Using current stories in the news, discuss current events and expand your vocabulary in the process.  Topics are interesting and current!

When: Mondays

Where: D301

Time: 3-4:30 pm

2. Writing Skills Workshop with Arjola (levels 5-9)
Develop an outline for academic writing, brainstorm with your peers and learn how to organize your thoughts.

When: Mondays

Where: D306

Time: 3-4:30 pm

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

3. SUMMARY/PARAPHRASE WORKSHOP (levels 4-9)

Practice essential skills of Summary and Paraphrase in a small group setting. All skills will be integrated and your Peer Leaders are there to faciliate!

When: Tues(sched A) and Thurs(sched B)

Where: D302 Thurs; D307 on Tuesdays (please note the room change on Tuesdays)

Time: 12:00-1:30 pm

WEDNESDAYS

4. SPEAK UP! (levels 4-9)

Want to improve your speaking? Meet new people and improve your confidence in conversation using games and role plays . This 6-week workshop will focus on conversation and speaking skills in a FUN and active atmosphere!

When: Wednesdays

Where: D309

Time: 3:00 to 4:30 pm


FRIDAYS

  5. TOEFL Skills Workshop with Sina (levels 7-9)

Not sure how to study for TOEFL?  Want to build your language skills effectively?  Need to obtain a high score?  Learn some of the tricks needed to ace the test from a Peer Leader who did exactly that!

When: Fridays

Where: D306

Time: 3:30-5:30 pm

 Don't forget about the range of useful supports  at GBC:

1.  Tutoring in the ESL Library every Tues and Thurs,12-1pm

2.  Peer Tutors are available M-F in room C503, building C
3.  Peer Leaders are available to support you and your study groups (D304A) M-F:  Check the schedule on the door of D304A. 



KEEP THE DATE!!!

NEXT WEEK: BROWN BAG LUNCH SERIES 

Think Before you Send: The Dos and Don’ts of Emailing

Bring your Lunch....and Learn 

When:  Wednesday, November 24th

Where:  D241

Time:  12:45-1:20

• Impress your teachers, your friends, and, even, potential employers with your knowledge of the dos and don’ts of email etiquette. Come to Celina Costa’s workshop and leave with the information you need to succeed in the complicated world of emailing.

  EMAIL DOROTHY TO REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP--SPACE IS LIMITED!

  
  
  

  Coming in Week 6:  Advisor Lunch and Learn

  Meet with GBC Advisors and get the answers to all of your burning questions!!

  When:  Friday, December 3rd. 12:45pm

  Details to follow from your Peer Liaison!
   

 
A suggestion from one of our seasoned Peer Liaisons and an active level 6 student in our ESL Program.
Ali recommends the following website :

English Central

In particular, Ali likes to take advantage of the videos on the site for improving listening and speaking using 'shadowing':

English Central Videos 

Here is a  demo on the site so that you'll be speaking like Barack Obama in no time!  :-)
Barack Obama Demo


Want to find out what educators are saying about the site, both pros and cons?  click HERE.

Do you have any sites that you find useful for language learning?  Please share them with us!!

Welcome to Week 5 at GBC's School of ESL

WORKSHOPS AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES 

1. SUMMARY/PARAPHRASE WORKSHOP (levels 4-8) with Maryana, Arjola, Michelle and Christine

Practice essential skills of Summary and Paraphrase in a small group setting. All skills will be integrated and your Peer Leaders are there to faciliate!

When: Tues(sched A) and Thurs(sched B), Weeks 2-7

Where: D302 Thurs; D301 on Tuesdays

Time: 12:00-1:30 pm

2. SPEAK UP! (levels 4-8)

Want to improve your speaking? Improve your confidence in conversation using games and role plays . This 6-week workshop will focus on conversation and speaking skills in a FUN and active atmosphere!

When: Every WED AFTER SCHOOL, WEEKS 2-7

Where: D309

Time: 3:00 to 4:30 pm

3.  TED TALKS ACTIVITY (levels 7 & 8) with Mehdi G--cancelled for Friday, October 8th--Arjola will be available in D245, however.

When:  Fridays

Where: D245

Time: 3:00-4:00 pm

4.  Writing Skills Study Group (levels 5-8) with Alona
Practice your writing skills!  Work on brainstorming and organizing your thoughts with peers; work on developing an effective outline.

When:    Fridays

Where:   D241

Time: 3:00-4:00 pm

5.  TOEFL Skills Workshop with Sina (levels 6-8)

When: Fridays after school

Where:  D212

Time: 3:30 to 4:30 pm

Also:

6.  TUTORING IN THE LIBRARY (D313) 

Do you need extra help with English conversation, pronunciation or grammar??  Then check out the tutoring sessions  

When:  every Tues and Thurs

Where: ESL Library (D313)

Time:  from 12-1pm.  

Take advantage of this great opportunity to improve your skills!

7.  Digital Storytelling Workshop
(all levels)--resumes this week, Monday September 27th in D318 Computer Lab!!

Learn how to combine pictures, music, text and your voice to create a stunning and memorable presentation!  Improve all of your skills and wow your teachers, friends and peers in the process.  Say goodbye to boring presentations!!

                                                    Monday, September 27th.

                                                    Time:  3-4:30 pm

                                                    Where:  Computer Lab D318

See an example of what Michelle, one of our Peer Leaders created during our digital storytelling contest.  Incidentally, she was the 1st prize winner!!  Check out GBC student digital stories HERE!

Contact Dorothy to register.

And: 

Don't forget about the TESL Ontario ESL Poster contest.  Put your creative talents to work!!  Deadline is fast approaching...entries due this week on September 30th.








PLUS!!
The TLC is open for business!  Peer Tutors in room C503, building C, are there to help you with English conversation and writing, as well as Math skills.  Visit the Peer Tutoring Centre today!
  
Remember:  Your Peer Leaders are also here to help you individually or in study groups--visit them in D304A.

TOTALLY AWESOME SITE OF THE WEEK: 

Check out ELLLO Online (English Listening Lesson Library Online) for listening samples of English speakers from around the world with transcripts and interactive quizzes on comprehension and vocabulary.

Do you have any sites that you particularly enjoy or find useful?  Tell your peer liaison or teacher, or email Dorothy and we'll feature it on the blog so your peers can check it out as well! Thanks for sharing!
 

Week 4 is here!! We're at the midway point!! Check out what's on this week:

 

The TLC is open for business!  Peer Tutors in room C503, building C, are there to help you with English conversation and writing, as well as Math skills.  The Peer Tutors will be visiting your classes to meet you and introduce you to their services. 

WORKSHOPS AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

1. SUMMARY/PARAPHRASE WORKSHOP (levels 4-8) with Maryana, Arjola, Michelle and Christine

Practice essential skills of Summary and Paraphrase in a small group setting. All skills will be integrated and your Peer Leaders are there to faciliate!

When: Tues(sched A) and Thurs(sched B), Weeks 2-7

Where: D302 Thurs; D301 on Tuesdays

Time: 12:00-1:30 pm

2. SPEAK UP! (levels 4-8)

Want to improve your speaking? Improve your confidence in conversation using games and role plays . This 6-week workshop will focus on conversation and speaking skills in a FUN and active atmosphere!

When: Every WED AFTER SCHOOL, WEEKS 2-7

Where: D309

Time: 3:00 to 4:30 pm

3.  TED TALKS ACTIVITY (levels 7 & 8) with Mehdi G

Practice speaking, listening and vocabulary building in an academic atmosphere and listen to some awesome speakers!

When:  Fridays

Where: D245

Time: 3:00-4:00 pm

4.  Writing Skills Study Group (levels 5-8) with Alona
Practice your writing skills!  Work on brainstorming and organizing your thoughts with peers; work on developing an effective outline.

When:    Fridays

Where:   D241

Time: 3:00-4:00 pm

5.  TOEFL Skills Workshop with Sina (levels 6-8)

When: Fridays after school

Where:  D212

Time: 3:30 to 4:30 pm

Also:

6.  TUTORING IN THE LIBRARY (D313) 

Do you need extra help with English conversation, pronunciation or grammar??  Then check out the tutoring sessions  

When:  every Tues and Thurs

Where: ESL Library (D313)

Time:  from 12-1pm.  

Take advantage of this great opportunity to improve your skills!

7.  Digital Storytelling Workshop
(all levels)--resumes next week!!

Learn how to combine pictures, music, text and your voice to create a stunning and memorable presentation!  Improve all of your skills and wow your teachers, friends and peers in the process.  Say goodbye to boring presentations!!

                                                    Next workshop is scheduled for Monday, September 27th.

                                                    Time:  3-4:30 pm

                                                    Where:  Computer Lab D318

See an example of what Michelle, one of our Peer Leaders created during our digital storytelling contest.  Incidentally, she was the 1st prize winner!!  Check out GBC student digital stories HERE!

Contact Dorothy to register.

And: 

Don't forget about the TESL Ontario ESL Poster contest.  Put your creative talents to work!!  Deadline is fast approaching...entries due next week on September 30th.

PLUS!!

TOTALLY AWESOME SITE OF THE WEEK: 

Last week's theme in "Speak Up" was Movies and one site we checked out was learnenglishfeelgood.com which has lots of activities, including brief and engaging exercises where you can  improve your listening and catch English as it is naturally spoken through movie trailers.  Check the site out HERE! 

Do you have any sites that you particularly enjoy or find useful?  Tell your peer liaison or teacher, or email Dorothy and we'll feature it on the blog so your peers can check it out as well! Thanks for sharing!

Week 4: July 19th to 23rd. CHECK OUT WHAT'S ON!

1.  SCHEDULE A STUDENTS:  Take advantage of our 'Stress Management' Series of Workshops with an experienced Psychologist and Counsellor.  Mehrangiz will facilitate these engaging and useful workshops --there are 2 more consecutive workshops left--don't miss out!!

• Thurs, July 22nd 
• Thurs, July 29th

Where:  D 325
Time:  10-11:30am


2.  Summarizing and Paraphrasing Workshop with Alona (Levels 4-9)

Practice essential skills of Summary and Paraphrase in a small group setting.

Your Peer Leaders are there to faciliate!

When: Tues(sched A) and 
Thurs(sched B), Weeks 2-7

Where: D 301 (Tues); D302 (Thurs)

Time: 12:00-1:30pm

3. SPEAK UP!:  Speaking with Confidence (Levels 4-9)

A workshop facilitated by Stan Middlestat and your Peer Leaders

Want to improve your speaking? Improve your confidence in conversation using games and role plays . This 6-week workshop will focus on conversation and public speaking skills in a FUN and active atmosphere!

When: Every WED AFTER SCHOOL, 
WEEKS 2-7
Where: D309

Time: 3:00 to 4:30pm

And for the Advanced Levels...

4. Writing Skills Study Group with Corina (levels 6-9)

A workshop to assist you with developing an outline for academic writing.  Brainstorm with your peers and learn how to organize your thoughts clearly and effectively.

When:  Tues/Thurs, weeks 2-7,

Where:  D 302 (Tues); D301 (Thurs)

Time:  10-11:30am

5.  TTA--Ted Talks Activity with Mehdi G.  (levels 7-9)
Practice listening and speaking in an academic atmosphere that aims to improve your listening and communication skills.  You will have the opportunity to discuss and learn from some fabulous speeches found on TED TALKS

When:  Tues/Thurs, weeks 2-7

Where:  Meet at Peer Leader office, room D304A
Time:  9-10am

Presentation Tips from Professors at the School of ESL!
 This week's Presentation Tip is courtesy of Andrea Rankin:

Engage and interact with your audience
- Ask Questions: "How many people want to improve their...[speaking skills]....[paraphrasing skills]...?"
- Ask for Confirmation: "Don't you agree that........[stress management is a key factor in success?...Yes?  Well, then you should check out...]
-Establish and Maintain Eye Contact--remember the 3 sec rule mentioned 2 weeks ago??  Use sincere eye contact to make your audience feel involved!


When Presenting, above all remember the 3 V's: VISUAL, VERBAL AND VOCAL! And...be confident!  :-)

Cool Site of the Week:

Harvard Business School’s site on how to build an elevator speech, also known as an elevator pitch.   

•  A WHAT???  An elevator pitch is a super-short explanation of an idea, a business, or a person designed to create further interest.  It's a great networking tool, and if you learn some effective 'catch phrases' and practice them, you can sound like a NATURAL!  Think of it like a mini job interview...

• This site created by Harvard takes you step by step through the who, what why and goal aspects of an effective elevator speech with tips along the way.  Once you have completed the five steps, you can e-mail yourself the final product and practice what you say in 30 seconds to one minute...have fun!