Unit 1 - Introduction |
Monday, September 22
Today's Goal: To learn about the course, get to know each other and practice general reading skills
Agenda:
1. Getting-to-Know You Line Interviews
2. Course introduction, needs and interests survey, syllabus review
3. Reading practice with AM New York
AM New York
We recommend picking up a free copy of AM NY every day – it is a good level for reading practice, and you will also learn lots about NY.
SKIMMING
is a reading technique that helps you get the "main ideas" and the "big picture" when you do not already know what the text is about. What are some things to looks for when you are skimming for main ideas?
Practice
1. Skim AM New York to find one article that you are interested in. Why are you interested in this article. You have one minute, so move quickly! Be prepared to share your idea with the class.
2. Skim AM New York to find 3 articles to recommend for other people in the class. Be sure you have a good reason for recommending the article! I know we are just getting to know each other, so try your best based on what you learned during the interview activity. We will share our ideas after 5 minutes.
SCANNING
is a reading technique that allows you to quickly identify specific information. Unlike skimming, which is a quick reading technique that is used to get the “big picture” when you do not know what you are looking for, scanning is used when you already know what information you need.
Practice
Identify KEY WORDS in the questions below to help you quickly pull out the answers from AM NY. You may also try and make some PREDICTIONS about the answers (for example, are you looking for a number? a person’s name?) Write down the answer and the page number. Good luck!
1. What was the score of the Braves/Mets baseball game?
2. What is the weather report for Wednesday?
3. The "Cheap$kate" section lists free activities in New York! How many artists are presenting at the 18th annual DUMBO Arts Festival?
4. Mayor de Blasio has pledged a reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050. What percentage (%) reduction has he pledged?
5. How many stars did the reviewer give the new TV show "Forever"?
6. What is the name of the butcher who leads a class at the Meat Hook in Williamsburg?
7. In the Classified Section, how many dogs/cats are available for adoption?
8. Amanda and Carolyn's birthdays are very close together - the 6th and 7th of October. What is our horoscope sign?
BONUS – Read your own horoscope. Do you like what it says?
READING CLOSELY
You have 10 minutes to read one article. Don't worry if you can't finish the whole thing - relax and take your time. Raise your hand if you need any help. Please be ready to share your OPINIONS (not a simple summary) about the article with a partner.
Today's Goal: To learn about the course, get to know each other and practice general reading skills
Agenda:
1. Getting-to-Know You Line Interviews
2. Course introduction, needs and interests survey, syllabus review
3. Reading practice with AM New York
AM New York
We recommend picking up a free copy of AM NY every day – it is a good level for reading practice, and you will also learn lots about NY.
SKIMMING
is a reading technique that helps you get the "main ideas" and the "big picture" when you do not already know what the text is about. What are some things to looks for when you are skimming for main ideas?
Practice
1. Skim AM New York to find one article that you are interested in. Why are you interested in this article. You have one minute, so move quickly! Be prepared to share your idea with the class.
2. Skim AM New York to find 3 articles to recommend for other people in the class. Be sure you have a good reason for recommending the article! I know we are just getting to know each other, so try your best based on what you learned during the interview activity. We will share our ideas after 5 minutes.
SCANNING
is a reading technique that allows you to quickly identify specific information. Unlike skimming, which is a quick reading technique that is used to get the “big picture” when you do not know what you are looking for, scanning is used when you already know what information you need.
Practice
Identify KEY WORDS in the questions below to help you quickly pull out the answers from AM NY. You may also try and make some PREDICTIONS about the answers (for example, are you looking for a number? a person’s name?) Write down the answer and the page number. Good luck!
1. What was the score of the Braves/Mets baseball game?
2. What is the weather report for Wednesday?
3. The "Cheap$kate" section lists free activities in New York! How many artists are presenting at the 18th annual DUMBO Arts Festival?
4. Mayor de Blasio has pledged a reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050. What percentage (%) reduction has he pledged?
5. How many stars did the reviewer give the new TV show "Forever"?
6. What is the name of the butcher who leads a class at the Meat Hook in Williamsburg?
7. In the Classified Section, how many dogs/cats are available for adoption?
8. Amanda and Carolyn's birthdays are very close together - the 6th and 7th of October. What is our horoscope sign?
BONUS – Read your own horoscope. Do you like what it says?
READING CLOSELY
You have 10 minutes to read one article. Don't worry if you can't finish the whole thing - relax and take your time. Raise your hand if you need any help. Please be ready to share your OPINIONS (not a simple summary) about the article with a partner.