Creating Your Own Classroom Newsletter

Background

Creating a class newsletter can be an excellent way for English language learners to develop their language skills. They build vocabulary through writing and through interacting with others in the class. In addition, research shows that through repeated revisions of their own writing, students learn to become better writers. But most important of all, students learn how to work cooperatively, and they soon realize that "it's easier to do stuff as a group than on their own" (Irby, p. 53). Students not only discover the benefits of teamwork, but they also feel a great sense of ownership once they see their end result - a newsletter. This is an excellent activity that allows students from different cultural backgrounds to find common ground and to work cooperatively. Yet as educators we must remember that the writing experience should be an empowering one instead of just another assignment students are told to do. The goal of creating a newsletter should be to bring the classroom together as ELLs learn how to better express themselves orally and polish their writing skills.

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