EESL 501
Describe the Program/Site Visited by Young ran Song

I had the pleasure of visiting MapleBear in the city of Seoul, mokdong.
The goal of MapleBear schools is to establish an enthusiasm for learning and knowledge in young children that will serve as a foundation for future success in the education system and in life. In development of the MapleBear program, we have drawn on the best practices in early childhood teaching and learning.

*What are the ELD level of students?
*How are the students placed into these levels? What are the initial placement procedures?

In case of Korea center, their level is mainly divided by age. There are simple interview with native teacher and reading/writing test with korean teacher. They have their own level test program sheet and they use this special program for placement. They did not give me detailed information about the test.

*How do teachers make use of initial placement data to meet students’ instructional needs?

Once a teacher has received the placement test score for a student, the class level will be decided. In case of kindergarten program, 90% of children are new to learn English. So class is devided by age. In case of elementary program, level is decided by their grade.

*In general, describe the English-language development curriculum and instruction.

English Language Arts:

By the end of Senior Kindergarten children will communicate effectively in English by listening and speaking; they will have a good understanding of Alphabetical symbols; they will be able to read basic text in English; they will be able to use phonic strategies to approach new words; they will use writing strategies appropriate for beginners; they will use and respond to media.
Mathematics:

Children will become problem-solvers. They will learn about patterns in the environment, number concepts, comparisons, sets, basic formal operations (e.g. adding, subtracting), 3-D objects, simple graphs and basic measurement
Personal and Social Awareness:

Children will learn to share, to respect others, to listen and to understand that people have different talents and functions in our society.

Science and Technology:

Children will demonstrate curiosity about the natural world, demonstrate knowledge of characteristics of common materials, identify cycles in nature using techniques of observation, and work with others in using the computer in all aspects of their studies.

Creative Activity:
Children will understand colour, shape and use of media to express ideas. They will be able to describe responses to music, art, drama and dance.

At Maple Bear, typical teaching students ages are ranging from 3 years of age – 10
years of age. Class sizes are capped at 15, but many classes may only have up to 10
students per class.

Kindergarten Program:
Full Time, Saturday and Part Time classes for 5 year old children. Small classes with a focus on literacy and hands-on learning ensure that the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes for life long learning are established at a young age.
Intensive Kindergarten Plus Program:

An optional program for full time 7 year olds. This program is specifically designed for
students who can use their strong English language skills to study science and social study topics in an immersion like setting.
Moms and Tots Program :
A unique Maple Bear Program for 4 and 5 year old children accompanied by their mothers. This program is designed to introduce children to school routines and English language learning. This is an ideal place to start formal English learning in a safe, supportive and enjoyable environment.
ESA Program: All ESL classes follow CLI curriculum and delivery. In addition, the program is designed to take advantage of the rich Maple Bear classroom environment with a focus on child centered learning.

Intensive English Plus Program:

A Canadian immersion style program for students with strong English language skills.

TEXTBOOKS and Lessons:
Backpac and Hip Hip Hooray.
Lessons are organized around the chapters in each book.
One or two pages are covered per class.

*Add a critique of the program in its ability to foster effetive English-language acquisition and make recommendations for program improvement.

It is not easy to give an opinion of the effectiveness of the program in progress after one small visit. Teaching materials are enough and teachers are very energetic. However, most of native teachers are from Canada and when they have problem, Korea center need to wait for new teacher. Also it would be good if there are more programmed level test system.

*I interviewed with a teacher and her background is as below.

Name: HAN TO UYEN
● Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Studies – Brock University, Ontario, Canada

● Management Studies – Humber College , Ontario, Canada

● TESOL Diploma – Oxford Seminars – Ontario, Canada

● Fall Tutor, Learning Disabilities of Niagara – Canada

Many students call her name “Tween” because she made us to say easy it is very kind. She is from Toronto, Ontario. She is capable of speaking both English and Vietnamese fluently. She come from a large family with many cousins, and so has developed a love for children of all ages. Throughout high school and university she has volunteered for various organizations working with children of different ages. She has also had one year of teaching experience in Seoul, Korea in the year 2007. As a teacher, She believes that it is most important to provide children with a comfortable and fun environment in order for children to reach their potentials. She will work out with this philosophy at Maple Bear.