Living in Poverty Affects Our Children; GrapeSEED Can Help – Part 3
Jodie Shell • September 30, 2020
In Part 1 of Living in poverty affects our children; GrapeSEED can help , we discovered what poverty is and the five different types of poverty that might be affecting students and their families.
In Part 2 , we heard all of the facts and negative effects that poverty has on children. We learned Eric Jensen’s explanation of brain reducers/enhancers and that there is still hope that students can change for the better.
Now let’s see how GrapeSEED can help children make that positive change by promoting growth in oral language, literacy, and self-confidence, leading them to a bright future full of possibilities.
First, GrapeSEED Lessons Provide a Stress Free Environment!
How?
- Children are immediately met at their own academic level.
- Children immediately gain a sense of psychic safety thanks to many repetitions in the program and the Gradual Release of Responsibility model used throughout.
- The use of song and music immediately creates a very pleasant, joyful atmosphere.
- GrapeSEED’s Pete, Arty, Tonya, Dee-Dee, Marvin Monkey, Johnny Bear and Cookie the Sheepdog are attractive and child-friendly characters that boys and girls quickly connect with.
Second, GrapeSEED Lessons Are Interactive and Include Physical Movement!
How?
- Each GrapeSEED lesson incorporates fun-filled action activities.
- Children hop, skip, jump, crawl, climb, swim, fly, march and more!
- Children actively transition from one meaningful activity to another throughout each lesson.
Third, GrapeSEED Lessons Provide Pro-Social Contact!
How?
- Themes for learning build confidence in the following areas: Introducing yourself to a new friend, sharing, taking turns, interacting with others, using manners, being kind, friendly and more.
- Call and Response style Chants, which teach children how to appropriately ask and answer practical questions, are in each unit beginning with Unit 3.
Fourth, GrapeSEED Lessons Provide New Learning!
How?
- Children HEAR, SAY and USE new sounds.
- Children HEAR, SAY and USE new phrases, expressions and language patterns.
- Children HEAR, SAY and USE new vocabulary words that are meaningful in their everyday lives.
- Children learn and memorize joyful, upbeat tunes.
- New learning in GrapeSEED is safe, non-threatening, realistic, cyclical in nature and differentiated.
Next, GrapeSEED Lessons Create Complex Environments!
How?
- Stories, poems and songs introduce a wide variety of settings, creating new background knowledge and schema that children living in poverty may not otherwise have. Examples: Zoo, Farm, Garden, Fishing/Swimming Hole, Aquarium, Neighborhood Pool, The Market, etc.
- Action activities allow for practice and mastery of key spatial-relationships, conceptualizing and physically following a series of directions.
- A signature trait of our GrapeSEED materials is that many of them are set to a wonderfully catchy tune. This was very intentional! Tunes play a critical role in this “Complex Environment” piece. Geoffery Miller from the University College of London states, “Our brains are CONSTANTLY trying to make order out of disorder and music is an amazing pattern game for our higher cognitive centers. From our culture, we learn—even if unconsciously—about musical structures and tones. Ways of understanding music unfold over time; and our brains are exercised by extracting different patterns and groupings. It is this very kind of pattern recognition that is extremely important for us to make sense of the world around us.
Last, GrapeSEED Helps Build and Foster Relationships!
How?
- If teachers are truly implementing with fidelity (which our on-going support will successfully assist each teacher with), then they are in what we call “Memory Mode”.
- When teachers are in “Memory Mode”, eye contact and face-to-face interaction with children is happening. This builds and fosters relationships!
- Children learn to connect and converse with each other through chants, songs, big books and action activities. Examples: “Hello my friend, what is YOUR name?”, “Do you like red?”, and “What can YOU do?” The examples are endless!
So, How Does all of this Add up to for our GrapeSEED Students?
Here’s the equation:
Families & Communities in Need + GrapeSEED & GrapeSEED Teachers (That’s YOU!) = A Brain-Enhancing Classroom Environment = A Sense of Hope amongst Children for Future Social and Academic Endeavors = Self Confidence & Cognitive Growth = Student Achievement = Healthy, Productive, Joyful Communities!
With GrapeSEED, you are empowering your little learners as you open up new doors that lead from a world of poverty (and all that goes along with it!), to a world of self-confidence, a love of literacy and language, and a desire to learn. With GrapeSEED, you’re opening a window of opportunity and delight in learning. With GrapeSEED, you’re equipping your students and making the world a better place, one hopeful, joyful, confident little child at a time!
In 2025, teacher appreciation has taken on an exciting new dimension. As we navigate through a rapidly evolving digital age, the role of teachers has become more crucial and multifaceted than ever before. Here’s why celebrating our educators this year is both special and unique: Digital Pioneers : Teachers today are not just educators but also pioneers of digital learning. They've seamlessly integrated technology into their classrooms, using tools like virtual reality and AI to create immersive learning experiences that captivate and engage students. Adaptability at its Best : The past few years have shown us the incredible adaptability of teachers. Whether transitioning from in-person to online classes or adopting hybrid teaching models, teachers have proven their ability to pivot and innovate, ensuring that learning continues uninterrupted. Champions of Personalized Learning : With the help of data-driven insights and educational technology, teachers are crafting personalized learning experiences. This approach caters to the unique needs of each student, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive at their own pace. Emotional Intelligence Leaders : Teachers today understand the importance of emotional intelligence in education. They are equipped to support the emotional and mental well-being of their students, creating a safe and nurturing space for learning. Creative Engagement : From gamified learning to interactive projects, teachers are continuously inventing new ways to make education fun and engaging. Their creativity inspires students to be curious and passionate about their subjects. As we look to the future, the role of teachers will continue to evolve, but one thing remains constant: their unwavering dedication to shaping young minds. In 2025, we celebrate not just their adaptability but also their commitment to fostering a brighter future for all. Teacher appreciation today is a testament to their invaluable contributions to society and the endless possibilities they unlock for future generations. At GrapeSEED, we are inspired by and appreciative of teachers who inspire, innovate, and ignite a love for learning! Are YOU ready to become a GrapeSEED teacher? Click here!
The role of an instructional coach in the multilingual language learner world is challenging and rewarding, requiring a unique set of skills and a deep commitment to fostering language acquisition among diverse learners. Often serving as the bridge between teachers and students, instructional coaches in this realm play a pivotal role in shaping how language education is delivered and experienced. Here's a closer look at the nuances of this impactful role: Supporting Diverse Learners One of the most rewarding aspects of being an ESL instructional coach is the opportunity to support a wide range of learners from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. This diversity enriches the learning environment but also presents unique challenges. Coaches must be adept at understanding the specific needs and strengths of each student, tailoring strategies to enhance engagement and comprehension. Adapting Teaching Strategies Cultural context plays a critical role in how language is taught and learned. ESL instructional coaches must continuously adapt teaching strategies to align with the cultural nuances of their students. This involves integrating culturally relevant materials, respecting different learning styles, and being sensitive to the cultural references that may affect language comprehension and usage. Fostering Collaboration Collaboration is at the heart of an ESL instructional coach's work. Coaches collaborate with teachers to develop effective lesson plans, provide feedback on teaching practices, and introduce innovative instructional methods. By fostering a collaborative environment, coaches help create a supportive network that enhances professional growth and improves student outcomes. Continuous Professional Development To stay effective, ESL instructional coaches must engage in continuous professional development. This includes attending workshops, participating in webinars, and staying abreast of the latest research in language acquisition and teaching methodologies. Professional development is crucial for coaches to refine their skills and introduce new teaching techniques that can benefit both teachers and students. Leveraging Technology The integration of technology in ESL instruction is a game-changer, and instructional coaches are at the forefront of this transformation. By leveraging tools such as language learning apps, virtual classrooms, and digital assessments, coaches can enhance the learning experience and provide more personalized support. Technology also allows for greater accessibility, enabling students to practice language skills outside the traditional classroom setting. Making a Lasting Impact Ultimately, the role of an ESL instructional coach is about making a lasting impact on the lives of students and educators. Coaches help unlock the potential of students by equipping them with the language skills needed to succeed in a globalized world. They also empower teachers with the tools and confidence to deliver effective ESL instruction. In conclusion, being an instructional coach in the ESL world is a dynamic and fulfilling career that requires a blend of empathy, adaptability, and expertise. By embracing these nuances, instructional coaches can contribute significantly to the field of language education, paving the way for a more inclusive and effective learning environment. Are you an instructional coach who is interested in learning about the impact that GrapeSEED could make on your teachers and students? Come partner with us! Just click here to get started.
Doing more research on Language Acquisition? The stages of Language Acquisition and theories / best practices? GrapeSEED provides insights and tips on the topic.
In the dynamic environment of multilingual learner classrooms, data-driven instruction paired with formative assessments plays a pivotal role in creating effective and engaging learning experiences. Let's explore how these strategies can benefit both teachers and students. The Power of Formative Assessments Formative assessments are essential tools that offer real-time insights into student progress, enabling educators to refine their teaching methods. Here's why they're indispensable: Immediate Feedback : By providing instant insights, formative assessments help teachers adjust their instructional strategies to better meet student needs. Customized Learning : These assessments allow lessons to be tailored to individual student needs, moving away from generic approaches to more personalized instruction. Increased Engagement : When lessons are precisely aligned with a student's current understanding, engagement and participation naturally increase. Effective Formative Assessment Techniques Incorporating a variety of assessment techniques keeps the classroom lively and informative: Quizzes : These quick assessments help identify which language concepts students have mastered and which need more attention. Peer Reviews : Students work together to provide feedback, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment. Self-Assessments : Encouraging students to evaluate their own progress promotes self-awareness and active participation in their learning journey. Benefits of Data-Driven Instruction Utilizing data from formative assessments allows for a more strategic approach to teaching: Targeted Instruction : Teachers can develop activities that address specific areas of difficulty, such as pronunciation exercises or vocabulary games. Supportive Learning Environment : Continuous feedback nurtures a growth mindset, encouraging students to view learning as an ongoing process. Enhanced Language Acquisition : Focusing on individual language skills helps students build a robust foundation for more rapid and confident language learning. In summary, integrating data-driven instruction with formative assessments transforms the ESL classroom into an engaging and effective learning space. By using these strategies, educators can better support student growth and development, ultimately leading to more successful language acquisition. If you would love to learn about the GrapeSEED Curriculum and our formative assessments, known as ‘Quick Checks’, just head to our website by clicking here .
