From the Experts:

Welcome!Kristen FosterApril 11th, 2012When I was in 4th grade, I believed that cute boys could read my mind. So, every time I came face-to-face with a handsome guy, I would try really hard to erase all thoughts from my brain, because I didnt want that boy to know that I had a crush on him!

Discuss!What do you think about this womans strange belief? Did you have any strange beliefs when you were a child?Did these beliefs affect your actions or behavior? How?

When I was in 4th grade, I believed that cute boys could read my mind. So, every time I came face-to-face with a handsome guy, I would try really hard to erase all thoughts from my brain, because I didnt want that boy to know that I had a crush on him!Affect (verb): To cause a change in someone, somethingThinking about our beliefs about language learning

The Power of BeliefsRead interviews with two unsuccessful language learners.

Listen to an interview with a successful language learner.

Think and talk about your past language learning beliefs and behaviors

Write about a classmates past language learning beliefs and behaviorsYou will describe your past beliefs about language learning, and how those beliefs affected your learning experience.Kyla: Hypotheticals in the Past

If I had lived in the 1960s, I would have listened to The Beatles.Bridget: Probability and Possibility

You could have the flu. You might go see the doctor!Using Modals and Phrasal Modals to Talk About the PastWouldUsed to(to describe habits or actions that happened regularly)CouldBe able to(to describe ability in the past)ShouldNeed toHave to (to describe necessity/obligationMy family would go camping almost every weekend when I was younger.My family used to go camping almost every weekend when I was younger.She could speak seven language!She was able to speak seven languages!The students knew that they should do their homework.The students needed to do their homework.The students had to do their homework.Vocabulary TimeWe couldnt learn a second language!

1. What were some of Lebron and Angelinas beliefs about language learning?

2. Do you think these were healthy or unhealthy beliefs? Why?

3. How did their beliefs affect their behavior and language learning?I was able to successfully learn English!

1. What were some of Shinaes beliefs about language learning?

2. Do you think these were healthy or unhealthy beliefs? Why?

3. How did her beliefs affect her behavior and language learning?

Think-Write-Pair-Write1 Minute! Think about your past language learning beliefs and experiences.3 Minutes! Write about your past beliefs and experiences.4 Minutes! Talk with a partner.6 Minutes! Write about your partner!Homework

Think about a belief that you have had about something other than language learning. How did that belief affect your behavior? How was that beliefs good or bad? Write a short composition using modals and modal phrases to describe your answers to these questions.