My classroom that I visit every week consists solely of English as a second language students. This is something that is very obvious the second you walk into the classroom. Each student can converse in a language that I do not understand. Sometimes this is interesting, because I always wonder what they are saying. The teacher and I handle this situation very well. We explain instructions thoroughly and also demonstrate what we want done so that the students can see and hear what we mean. Each child knows the routine of the classroom and much of this has to do with the structure and lesson plans that the teacher has made up. She has set a perfect example for me, so that I can handle a class full of students who do not all speak English very well.
The best way to communicate with a student who speaks a different language is to show them by example. They can interpret and understand what we want done by hearing us and also by watching us do the task. When a student does something wrong, the best way to fix the situation is to respond in a calm manner so that they do not get upset. It is always best to have a student learn from their mistakes. This is something that seems to be very present in my classroom. The teacher does not allow students to make mistakes, without a lesson being learned from them. We as teachers do not know what rules a child has at home, so we have to pretend like we are starting from scratch and teach them what we want them to do. The way a child conducts his or her self in the classroom has a lot to do with structure. A structured classroom is a great one. Human beings, especially kids are creatures of habit and a routine is the best way to keep a well balanced classroom.
I decided to relate this post to Goldenberg, since we are talking about linguistic differences. As teachers, Goldenberg says that we need to put ourselves in the shoes of a non English speaking student. The social culture and norms that seem okay and fine to us may be totally different to a non English speaking student. We need to take this into consideration so that these students have an equal opportunity compared to the rest of the class. This situation cannot be ignored, because it is our responsibility as teachers to recognize these issues and make the situation perfectly okay. As a teacher I hope that I can truly make a difference in every child’s life and prepare them for the future. Just because a student speaks a different language does not mean that they are not capable of learning. I am willing to go the extra mile to make sure that every student that goes through my classroom has a fair and well rounded education, because that is exactly what I want for my children someday!
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Mr. Mark Junior-
ReplyDeleteGreat post yet again!
I have to give you and everyone else working in an ESL classroom this semester a lot of credit because I feel that it must be so much more challenging than just volunteering in a “regular” classroom (but then again, what is a regular classroom?). And like you said, I would also be curious to know what all of the students were saying when they speak in their first language. Six years of French on my part might not have been such a great idea looking back now!
What you said about students learning by example when posed with some sort of barrier blocking their initial understanding of whatever you are teaching is so true. There’s a boy in the third grade classroom I volunteer at in my hometown that is autistic. Whenever I go in to help out, I always spend a little part of the day working with him and helping him catch up on some of his school work. He’s the cutest kid and he tries hard, but he needs that little extra help and guidance for him to fully grasp the concepts.
Just by reading all of your blog posts I can tell that you really have done a lot for the classroom you volunteered in. I’m sure the kids are going to miss you because it really feels like you left a lasting impression on them. You truly are going to be a “Better than Best” teacher when you get your own classroom. You are fully committed and are not afraid to go the extra mile if it means a student will understand something better. You truly will be a great teacher, but if you ever need any help with power points, just let me know. ;)
See you in class on Wednesday and congrats on finishing all of your blogs!
-Good Golly Miss Molly =]