• Chapter 2, “Basic English Grammar: Usage and Terminology”
  
  This chapter will help refresh your own knowledge of typical English grammar terms and standard usage of English. Complete the pretest on pages 34–35. If you score less than 22 out of 25 on it, read the entire chapter or whichever sections correspond to items you did not answer correctly.
   
• Chapter 3, “15 Keys to ELL Grammar”
  
  - Key 2, “Verb Tenses to Express Present Time” (pp. 100–113)
  
  - Key 3, “Verb Tenses to Express Past Time” (pp. 114–137)
  
  - Key 4, “Verb Tenses to Express Future Time” (pp. 139–151)
  
  - Key 14, “Passive Voice” (pp. 242-251)
  
  These “keys” will show you the range of typical ELL errors in using the English verb system. As you read, consider your students’ native languages, ages, and language proficiency. Although the author uses categories of proficiency that apply more to adult learners (beginner, high intermediate, etc.) than to the diversity of K–12 ELLs, you will recognize patterns of verb errors and nonstandard usage.

Optional Readings

Gibbons, P. (2001). Scaffolding language, scaffolding learning: Teaching second language learners in the mainstream classroom. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.

• Chapter 2, “Classroom Talk: Creating Contexts for Language Learning” (pp. 14–39)
   
• “Glossary of Teaching Activities” (pp. 141–152)
  
  This book provides an excellent resource for ELL and mainstream teachers, combining second language acquisition theory with practical activities designed specifically to help students meet the demands of academic language. While some of the activities seem to have an elementary focus, they can easily be adapted for secondary learners.
  
  These readings are included as options for this week, since they can be helpful resources with which to complete this week’s Assessments. They will be assigned as required reading during Weeks 4 and 5.

(OPTIONAL)
 

Berry, C., Brizee, A., & Angeli, E. (2012). Sequence of tenses. Retrieved from  http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/601/1/ 

The Purdue Online Writing Lab, or “OWL”, is a robust resource for concise reference information on most academic writing topics, including grammar and ELL issues. This page offers brief examples of verb tenses. Explore other resources on this site as well, and consider whether the kinds of information available would be helpful for your learners.