Classroom Superstars Teacher Guide ESL Elementary Newcomer Program • Grade K-3
Classroom Superstars Teacher Guide
Unit 1: School Survival
Duration: 45–60 Minutes
Language Target
Name 6 essential classroom objects and respond physically to 4 school action verbs with visual/gestural cues.
Proficiency Level
WIDA Level 1 (Entering) / CEFR Pre-A1. Focus on receptive gestures, repeating, and single-word utterances.
Realia Needed
Pencil, book, scissors, glue stick, crayon box, student backpack, tactile picture cards.
Target Language Inventory
6 Core School Objects
pencil book scissors glue crayon backpack
4 TPR Verbs & 1 Survival Frame
Look! (point to eyes) Listen! (cup ear) Sit down / Stand up "Pencil, please!"
Pacing & Lesson Architecture
Phase
Activity
Teacher Action & TPR Routine
Student Output
0–10m
Welcome & Action Chant
Lead physical gesture warm-up: "Look at me" (hands to eyes), "Listen" (cup ear), "Sit down" . Smile and nod warmly.
Physical mimicry; silent participation allowed.
10–25m
Mystery Bag Reveal (I Do)
Pull realia from colorful mystery bag one by one. Say word twice with high intonation: "A pencil! Pencil." Show slide illustration.
Echo choral repetition, finger pointing to match.
25–40m
Touch & Point Quest (We Do)
Call out: "Point to the book!" Students tap their desk object or touch slide icon. Praise immediately with thumbs up: "Yes! Book!"
Pointing, holding up real object, choral echo.
40–55m
Picture Worksheet & Color (You Do)
Distribute Picture Worksheet. Model tracing with a big finger in the air first. Circulate and whisper prompt: "What is this? ... Pencil!"
Line matching, finger tracing, 1-word utterance.
The Golden Newcomer Rule: Honor the Silent Period . Never force a student who arrived this week to speak alone. Celebrate receptive pointing and gestural comprehension!
Page 1 of 2
Instructional Scaffolding & Facilitation
Newcomer Survival Strategies & Scripts
Classroom Superstars
Non-Verbal & Home Language Bridges
Realia First: Always hold up the physical item (real scissors, real glue) before showing drawn icons or printed words.
Cognate Validation: If student says "lápiz" , "cahier" , or "kitab" , validate warmly: "Yes! In Spanish, lápiz. In English: pencil!"
Visual Desk Strip: Tape the provided Survival Flashcards to student desks for non-verbal bathroom and water requests.
Tiered Participation Levels
Level 1A: Day 1 to Week 2 (Pre-Production)
Target: Point to object when teacher says word; nod/shake head; mimic TPR gestures (look, listen).
Level 1B: Month 1 (Early Production)
Target: Repeat isolated words ("pencil" , "book" ) with teacher prompt; use 2-word request: "Pencil, please."
Turnkey Teacher Script & TPR Routines
ROUTINE 1
Morning Action Anchor (TPR)
"Class, look at my eyes! (Point to eyes with two fingers). Look! Good. Now, listen! (Cup right ear). Listen! Excellent. Hands on desk. Sit down. Wonderful!"
ROUTINE 2
Introducing the Mystery Bag
"Ooh, what is inside the magic bag? (Shake bag gently). Watch! (Pull out a big yellow pencil). Look! A pencil ! Say it with me: Pencil ! (Choral echo). Hold up your pencil!"
ROUTINE 3
Polite Classroom Request Scaffold
"When you need a tool, we use magic words: (Hold out open hands). Pencil, please! Let's practice: (Smile and nod). 'Pencil, please!' Here you go!"
Informal 3-Minute Exit Observation
Receptive (Pointing)
Points correctly to 4 of 6 objects when named.
Physical Action (TPR)
Executes "Look" and "Listen" gestures accurately.
Emergent Verbal (Echo)
Attempts approximate pronunciation during choral practice.
Supporting Materials: Classroom Superstars Slides, Picture Worksheet, School Survival Flashcards.
Page 2 of 2
Classroom Superstars Slides Newcomer ESL • Welcome to Class!
Slide 1 / 8
Classroom Superstars!
Our School Tools & Magic Words
Look
Listen
Smile
Together we learn English step-by-step!
Actions • Move Your Body!
Look, Listen, Sit, Stand!
Slide 2 / 8
Look!
Point to eyes
Listen!
Cup your ear
Sit down!
Hands on desk
Stand up!
On your feet
Teacher says: "Look!" ➜ Students point to eyes!
Classroom Tools • Pair 1
Pencil & Book
Slide 3 / 8
I write with a...
pencil
"A pencil!"
I read a...
book
"A book!"
Echo Time: Teacher says "Pencil!" ➜ Class repeats "Pencil!"
Hold it up!
Classroom Tools • Pair 2
Scissors & Glue
Slide 4 / 8
I cut paper with...
scissors
"Snip, snip, scissors!"
I stick paper with...
glue
"Sticky, sticky glue!"
Gesture: Make scissor fingers with two fingers: Snip, snip!
Action cue
Classroom Tools • Pair 3
Crayon & Backpack
Slide 5 / 8
I color with a...
crayon
"Red, blue, crayon!"
I pack my...
backpack
"Zip, zip, backpack!"
All 6 Tools: pencil, book, scissors, glue, crayon, backpack!
Great Job!
Communication • Magic Words
"Pencil, Please!"
Slide 6 / 8
Student Asks:
Two Hands Out
"Pencil, please!"
or: "Water, please!" / "Help, please!"
Teacher & Friend Say:
Hand it Over with a Smile
"Here you are!"
Then say: "Thank you!"
Let's practice with a friend: "Book, please!" ➜ "Here you are!"
Classroom Game • Point & Touch!
Point to the Word!
Slide 7 / 8
pencil
book
scissors
glue
crayon
backpack
Teacher calls: "Where is the scissors?" ➜ Students point to the screen or desk!
Closing Celebration • Action Chant
We Are Classroom Superstars!
Slide 8 / 8
Part 1 Clap hands to the beat
Pencil, book,
Take a look! (Point to eyes)
Part 2 Snip fingers
Scissors, glue,
Listen too! (Cup your ear)
Part 3 Hold up crayon
Crayon bright,
Draw and write! (Air write)
Part 4 Thumbs up
Backpack on,
We are strong! (Big smile!)
You are a Classroom Superstar! ⭐ High Five!
Classroom Superstars Picture Worksheet Classroom Superstars: Match & Trace
Look at the picture, draw a line to match, and trace the word!
Name:
Date:
1 Draw a line from the tool to its English word.
Then trace each dotted word!
Tool 1 Write with it
pencil
Tool 2 Read stories
book
Tool 3 Cut paper
scissors
Tool 4 Stick paper
glue
Tool 5 Color pictures
crayon
Tool 6 Pack your tools
backpack
Say each word out loud with a friend! Page 1 of 2
Classroom Superstars: I Spy & Draw
Find objects in your room, check them off, and draw!
Part B & C
2
I Spy in Our Classroom! (put a check mark when you spot it)
1. Pencil
2. Book
3. Scissors
4. Glue
5. Crayon
6. Backpack
3
Draw Your Favorite School Tool!
Use your crayons!
Draw your picture here:
My tool is a:
Word bank: pencil book crayon
I Am An English Superstar!
"Pencil, please!"
Look & Listen
6 School Tools
Teacher
Stamp / Star
Classroom Superstars • Unit 1 Student Practice Page 2 of 2
School Survival Flashcards Printable Desk & Lanyard Cards
School Survival Cards: Daily Needs
Cut along dashed lines
Teacher Tip: Laminate and tape these 6 survival cards to student desks or attach to a lanyard ring so newcomers can point to communicate vital needs without anxiety.
Survival Card
Bathroom, please
"May I use the restroom?"
Survival Card
Water, please
"May I get a drink?"
Health Card
Nurse, please
"I feel sick / hurt"
Survival Card
Help, please
"I need teacher help"
Survival Card
Show me, please
"I don't understand yet"
Survival Card
I am finished!
"All done with my work"
Classroom Superstars • Visual Communication Ring Set Set 1: Basic Needs
Printable Vocabulary Ring Cards
School Survival Cards: Classroom Tools
Cut along dashed lines
Vocabulary Play: Use for touch-and-say drills, matching games, or holding up when borrowing supplies from the classroom supply center.
Word Card
pencil
"Pencil, please!"
Word Card
book
"Book, please!"
Word Card
scissors
"Scissors, please!"
Word Card
glue
"Glue, please!"
Word Card
crayon
"Crayon, please!"
Word Card
backpack
"My backpack"
Classroom Superstars • Visual Communication Ring Set Set 2: Classroom Tools
Printable Routine & TPR Cards
School Survival Cards: Classroom Actions
Cut along dashed lines
Total Physical Response: Use these cards during transitions and group routines to pair verbal instructions with instant visual cues and physical actions.
Action Card
Look!
"Eyes on the teacher"
Action Card
Listen!
"Quiet ears listening"
Action Card
Sit down
"Hands on the desk"
Action Card
Stand up
"Push in chair & stand"
Action Card
Line up
"Walking feet in line"
Action Card
Quiet, please
"Voices off / whisper"
Classroom Superstars • Visual Communication Ring Set Set 3: Classroom Actions
Reading Friends Teacher Guide 1st Grade ESL • Reading Foundations 45 Minutes
Reading Friends Teacher Guide
Unit 1 • Lesson 2 Emergent Decodables
Lesson Objective: Students will recognize 5 core sight words (I, see, a, my, the ), blend three CVC words (cat, dog, bag ), and read repetitive patterned sentences with 1-to-1 finger tracking and picture-cue confirmation.
High-Frequency Sight Words
I see a my the
Decodable CVC Words
cat (/æ/) dog (/ɒ/) bag (/æ/)
Target Sentence Frames
• "I see a [noun]."
• "I see my [noun]."
Pacing & Instructional Architecture (45 Minutes)
08 min
1. Phonemic Sound Warm-Up & Muscle Memory: Tap desk for individual sounds: /k/ - /æ/ - /t/ → sweep arms together to blend "cat!". Echo chant vowel mouth positions in front of personal mirrors.
12 min
2. Direct Instruction & Slides Choral Reading: Project slides. Model 1-to-1 tracking dots with giant laser or pointer finger: "Point under the dot: I... see... a... cat." Have students mimic with pointer finger in the air.
15 min
3. Guided Emergent Reader Booklet (Student Handout): Distribute "Reading Friends Story Reader". Teacher reads first (echo), then choral read with table partners touching each tracking dot. Circle sight word "see" in yellow crayon.
10 min
4. Comprehension Check & Reading Draw: Students complete the drawing prompt on Page 2: "Draw what you see." 1-on-1 reading check-in where student reads 1 sentence aloud to teacher or peer buddy.
Turnkey Teacher Script: 1-to-1 Tracking Routine
"Class, show me your reading pointer finger! Place it on dot number one under the word I . Say: I ! Slide to dot two: see ! Slide to dot three: a ! Slide to dot four: cat ! Now look at the picture! Is it a cat? Yes! Give me a big meow!"
Classroom Superstars Sequence • Lesson 2: Reading Friends Launch Page 1 of 2
ESL Scaffolding & Progress Checks
Differentiated Reading Strategies
WIDA Level 1-3 Support
Tier 1: Entering Level 1
Finger Point & Echo
Teacher reads first; student touches tracking dot and echoes.
Match picture flashcards to text words.
Accept pointing to answer comprehension questions.
Tier 2: Emerging Level 2
Choral & Whisper Read
Read simultaneously with peer reading buddy.
Identify initial sounds in decodables (/k/ for cat).
Complete cloze sentences with word bank.
Tier 3: Developing Level 3
Independent Reading
Read 4 patterned sentences aloud independently.
Substitute new nouns into frame ("I see my book" ).
Write one original caption with invented spelling.
Multisensory Reading Bridges (Orton-Gillingham for ESL)
1. Arm Tapping for CVC Blending: Left hand extended: tap shoulder for /k/, crook of elbow for /æ/, wrist for /t/. Sweep down the whole arm while saying "cat!". Builds bodily-kinesthetic decoding.
2. Sandpaper & Air Writing Sight Words: Trace sight words (I, see, my ) two fingers wide on textured cards or in the air while chanting letter names: "S - E - E spells see!".
1-Minute Anecdotal Running Record Checklist Mark during independent draw time
1:1 Tracking Touches dot under spoken word
Sight Words Recognizes "I, see, my" rapidly
CVC Blending Blends sounds /k/ /æ/ /t/
Picture Clue Verifies word using illustration
Bilingual Home Tip: Encourage families to read the "Reading Friends Story Reader" together. Parents can point to the pictures in their native language and have their child read the English word!
Classroom Superstars Sequence • Lesson 2: Reading Friends Launch Page 2 of 2
Reading Friends Slides 1st Grade ESL • Reading Stars
Lesson 2
Reading Friends Launch
Look, point, and read! We are superstar readers today.
Classroom Superstars Sequence Slide 1 of 8
Word Power
Our Sight Words
See it & Say it!
I "Point to yourself"
see "Eyes look"
a "Just one"
my "It is mine"
Choral Echo: "I — see — a — my!"
Phonics Blending
Sound It Out Together!
Tap the Sounds
c /k/
a /æ/
t /t/
=
cat "Meow!"
Sweep your arm and blend: /k/ — /æ/ — /t/ → CAT!
1
Finger-Point Reading
Touch Every Dot
I
see
a
cat.
"Point your finger on each green dot as you read!"
a cat
Choral Read: "I see a cat!"
2
Finger-Point Reading
Touch Every Dot
I
see
a
dog.
"Listen to the final sound: /d/ - /ɒ/ - /g/ → dog!"
a dog
Choral Read: "I see a dog!"
3
Look Closely: "my"
New Word Check
I
see
my
bag.
"Whose bag is it? It is MY bag!"
my bag
Choral Read: "I see my bag!"
Choral Reading Rhythm
Superstar Reader Chant
Clap on the Beat!
"Look, look! What do you see?" 👏 👏
"I see a cat looking at me!" 🐱
"I see a dog looking at me!" 🐶
"I see my book and I see me!" ⭐
Ready to read with your story reader handout!
Great Work! Slide 8 of 8
You Are a Reader!
Take out your Reading Friends Story Reader and your favorite color pencil!
Touch the dots Read the words Color the pictures
Reading Friends Story Reader 1st Grade ESL Reading Practice
Reading Friends Story: I See!
Name:
Date:
Power Words:
I see a my
Touch and say!
I
see
a
cat.
I
see
a
dog.
I
see
my
book.
I
see
my
bag.
Read 3 times! Color one star each time you finish:
★
★
★
Classroom Superstars Sequence • Reading Friends Launch Page 1 of 2
Reading Comprehension & Response
Word Play & Reading Check
Part B
1
Trace the Sight Words
Trace "see": s-e-e
Trace "my": m-y
2
Read and Draw a Line to the Picture
1. I see a cat.
2. I see my book.
3. I see a dog.
3
Draw & Read: What Do You See in Your Classroom?
I see my .
Classroom Superstars Sequence • Reading Friends Launch Page 2 of 2
Sight Words Flashcards Printable Reading Ring Cards
Sight Words: High-Frequency Set
Cut along dashed lines
Ring Card Activity: Hole-punch the top corner of each card and assemble onto a binder ring for daily finger-tracking and rapid sight word drills.
Sight Word
I
I
"I see..."
Sight Word
see
"Eyes look"
Sight Word
a
a
"Just one item"
Sight Word
my
my
"It belongs to me"
Sight Word
the
the
"The special thing"
Sight Word
like
"I like to read"
Classroom Superstars Sequence • Reading Friends Launch Set 1: Sight Words
Printable Reading Ring Cards
Decodable CVC & Story Words
Cut along dashed lines
Sentence Building: Pair a Sight Word card ("I see a" ) with a Story Word card ("cat" ) to form complete physical sentences on the table.
Decodable
cat
/k/ - /æ/ - /t/
Decodable
dog
/d/ - /ɒ/ - /g/
Decodable
bag
/b/ - /æ/ - /g/
Story Word
book
"Read a book"
Story Word
friend
"Reading friend"
Action Word
read
"I like to read"
Classroom Superstars Sequence • Reading Friends Launch Set 2: Decodable & Story Words