Notes and Reflections on Boosting Achievement Book

Notes and reflections posted here are about the newly released book; 
​Boosting Achievement: Reaching Students with Interrupted or Minimal Education by:
​ Carol Salva (@MsSalvaC) and Anna Matis (@AnnaTeachesELLs). 

Münich, Germany June, 2017

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Germany, 2017

There are several reasons why I am interested in this book:

• As a formal SIFE (student with interrupted formal education), and an English as a Second Language teacher, I have no doubt that this book is an essential tool for teachers. It provides the approach, methods, and strategies to successfully support newcomer students. If you are an educator here in the United States, you know that there are a lot of possibilities in you having a SIFE student in your classroom next school year. However, teacher preparation in this specific area lacks all around our country. The need to teach and be culturally responsive is imperative. During immigration process, 85% of immigrant children have been separated from their parents. Its true! Read my immigrant journey story and you'll see.  Are you prepared for them?!? Do you know how to handle their learning differences?!? Do you have the tools for their success and for YOUR success as teacher?!? This book gives what you need and more. 
• It is summer break! And I believe it is the perfect time to dive into best practices, great readings, webinars, and Twitter chats (#ELLchat_BKclub & #BookCampPD) all to improve my pedagogy (how I teach) since it is only my 6th year teaching ESL.  Read this blog post from Carol explaining our virtual book study and how we are coming together to read and collaborate on this book. 
• I'm also reading this book because...guess what?!? The author, Carol Salva, is now a good friend of mine. Let's just say she's my hero! She is also my fan...read what she wrote about me! Her students and my students have connected in a fabulous way...(she tells about is on page #41).

#bookSnap by Carol Salva about our connection. Page #41

Now, I started this post because I felt like I had to do more than just read this fabulous book. I needed a place to log and share my thoughts and notes about all the wonderful points gained from reading. Besides, the tweet below not only spoke volumes to me but it gave me the conviction I needed to find ways to better interact with my reading. 

#Ellchat_BkClub, how much do we want to retain from #boostingAchievent book?!?

We must do more than just read! □□□□pic.twitter.com/SJXffwG8gK

— Emily Francis (@emilyfranESL) July 3, 2017

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Carol Salva has a great blog that provides all the resources that go along with the 5 week virtual book study. Please check it out for weekly updates! 
There is also a @bookSnapsREAL Gallery through Padlet to curate all the #ELLchat_BKclub #bookSnaps  and a Flipgrid (platform where videos with responses are archived) created by Carlota Holder (@Carlota_Holder) 

WEEK 1:

Blog Post: Boosting Achievement Book Study - Week 1

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WEEK 2

Blog Post: Boosting Achievement Book Study - Week 2

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WEEK 3

Blog Post: Boosting Achievement Book Study - Week 3

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WEEK 4

Blog Post: Boosting Achievement Book Study - Week 4 

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WEEK 5

Blog Post: Boosting Achievement Book Study - Week 5 

Thank you for reading!