Above and Beyond (ebook)
$25.00
You’ve felt it: that tension between parent expectations, finishing the slides, and helping the kids actually learn. This book will help you navigate that tension with confidence:
《Above and Beyond: Bring value to every class & build true language skills in your students (no matter the lesson).》
There are three formats to choose from: PDF, Kindle, and ePub. If in doubt, buy the PDF!
Automatic 10% off your order if you buy it with Loud and Clear! Add this to the cart along with Loud and Clear, and the discount should show up right away.
Description
In the online ESL-teaching gig, there are two main spaces in which we operate: in the classroom and in the feedback box. My first book, Loud and Clear taught you to write high-quality feedback. This all-new book, Above and Beyond, brings the same level of cultural insight and inspiration to the classroom:
✅ What are parents really looking for in class?
✅ What is the actual nature of “extension?”
✅ How does the language-learning process work?
✅ How can I possibly adapt to the student’s needs when I feel so constrained by the slides?
✅ How can I custom-tailor each class without the need for extra props or prep?
Go forth and rock your classroom!
Ed
Sarah –
For me, learning how to extend appropriately for each student was my biggest takeaway, and the realization that that includes simplifying if need be. I’m not a teacher by profession, I’m a Social Worker, so extension and tailoring the lessons to each student wasn’t exactly a strong point for me. For the longest time I was afraid to veer from the slides too much. I also LOVED the very specific examples you gave on how to do this. Now, because I’m a Social Worker, I can make great connections with the kiddos immediately and my booking rates have always been great. I’ve received reviews from day 1 about how the kiddos always ask their parents to book my classes, the atmosphere is so lively and encouraging, ect. But thanks to your book, I feel like I’ve got the connection with the kiddos down, class is fun, AND the parents feel like their children are being challenged with each class. I really can’t say enough good things about the book. Thanks again!
Shelli –
Great book Ed! Thank you for all of your hard work! Your insights into the Chinese culture and sharing those with us are very helpful!
Rasan Hazlewood –
I can’t put this book down! I am appreciating this perspective so much and think it has improved both my teaching and feedback. I highly recommend it to any teacher!
Teresa Pastor –
Es does a great job of guiding you to more natural-sounding, relevant feedback that parents will appreciate.
Alicia Ford –
I’m enjoying your new book so much !! So often we think that when students listen and repeat it’s mundane. This IS the bedrock of speaking and learning how to model English speakers! Listen/Speak/Read/Write – founding language principles in that order. I’m now knee deep in extension/reduction and conversation on slides. Tailoring extension to each student’s ability. Scaffolding learning based on slide content DURING the lesson, not at the end. YES!! ?????? Great job on this book Ed!!
Ronie –
Love this book so much! It taught me how to tailor each lesson to the child. As someone who is not from the ESL field, this has been so helpful to learn techniques to become a much better teacher. There is so much knowledge and lessons to be learned In his book, it really helped me to put it all together and understand what, why and how to teach effectively. Ed is so responsive as well, he helped me get my book back onto my iPad. Thank you so much Ed. I can’t say it enough. I love teaching and you helped me acquire the skills to do it better!
Nancy Bromfield (Nancy ODS) –
I have been teaching with VIPKid for 2 years. I read this book and WOW! it has helped me so much. It has helped me focus on the student, rather than the slides. There used to be times when throughout the lesson, I had internal alarms going off in my head and “S**tshow, s**tshow!” Once I read this book, I realized how I can relax and focus on what the child NEEDS rather than just completing the slides. I love how Ed encourages teachers to use the slides as a backdrop for conversation, phonics, and the objectives. The slides are NOT THE FOCUS, it’s the STUDENT! I highly recommend this book. I wish I would have seen it at the beginning of my ESL career. Thank you very much, Ed! ?????
Erica –
Ed Nace, your books have been more than mere guides to me. Above and Beyond in particular, has helped me to train my mind to observe and zero in on the real issue in any given class. I have worked with my dear ‘Ena’ for months now…long months. She’s brilliant but terrified to make one false move. This took me quite some time to put a finger on. Things I read in your book gave me the confidence to abandon the ‘what’ of the slides (reading, matching, circling, choosing) and empower this girl to use her English in a meaningful way. It finally occurred to me that what Ena needed most in our 25 minutes was an opportunity to trust; herself and the crazy foreigner sitting in front of her. This was tricky. Asking Ena to paddle out into deep water with me by not just reading was a BIG ask. I started small by circling something and asking a familiar question: “What is this?” Ena appeared puzzled and would name the thing or person using a single word. (“Why is this weird American wasting my time?” she appeared to be thinking) We expanded her answers to complete sentences and then in time, Ena began to feel more comfortable with my strange new directions and question like “draw a line under something red”, or “which food is delicious?”. My goals were to help this child realize that English is for 2-way communication not monologues given in beautiful pronunciation AND to realize that she had the ability to do this. When I finally zeroed in on this, I shared it with the parents in my last feedback to them. After months of silence, I woke up to 5 apples and these words that totally affirmed my new approach. You got me started on this awesome path Ed and I am going to run with it now. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Lauren CU –
This book will have you feeling very prepared and comfortable in your new classroom. This should definitely be one of the FIRST purchases you make as an online ESL teacher (maybe just pass on the orange shirts for a bit :D). Ed is very knowledgable and a great writer. He clearly describes situations that you will often, if not always, come across. With such a mixed bag of ages, abilities and personalities, it is overwhelming.
Somehow, Ed has kept track of all his relatable experiences to share with us. You will not regret this purchase! You will find the answer to 99.9% of your questions in this book. Skip asking for info in any social media group, go straight to Ed’s book!
Becky Johnson –
I am a brand-new VIPKid teacher and I just finished Above and Beyond. It has completely changed my teaching strategy for the better! Ed gives so many strategies for so many different scenarios. It has basically given me permission to be me, do what needs to be done and not be a slave to the slides. I am so glad I found this book so early in my ESL career! Thank you, Ed!