Hi y'all welcome back to my fourth blog!
Before I took this course I was hesitant to know if I would learn and use what I learned in the classroom when I become a teacher but after this course I have realized the importance of learning about second language students and the best methods to teach them. My understanding in this course has grown, this will impact my class by knowing what methods to use to teach my students that are ELL’s and differentiated instruction for ELL’s should given more attention for future classes.
When I first enrolled in the course I thought I knew what I should teach my ELL students and it was going to simple and easy. I have changed my mind. After reading the textbook, watching several videos of bilingual classes, and observing a bilingual class I realized there a lot more that entails to teach these students. I was a bilingual student and I never realized that the way I was taught was not the best practice, I have come to learn that it is encouraged to support the ELL’s home language. As Wright (2015) states, “their academic success depends in large part on how the school, and the wider society treat them, their language, their culture, their families, and communities” (page 19), I always thought that the students had to learn English first and that language only. After reading the chapter and that text I realized and learned that in order for the students to be successful and motivated to learn they need to know that their language is to be celebrated and encouraged to use. I saw that first hand while I was observing the bilingual class, the teacher always encouraged them to use both languages and to use whichever language they were more comfortable with. After receiving the support they needed they have become dominant in both languages which is the primary goal. I also learned how powerful student interactions were, they help the student learn quicker and easier because they are discussing things with their peers and they can say it in a way the students will understand. No matter how hard I try I may not be able to explain something to a student the way another student can explain it to them.
By learning the importance of encouraging their language and student interactions I will use those methods to teach my students. I will make sure to encourage them to speak in the language they feel most comfortable with at first, I do not want to scare them into only using English because at that point I have failed them as a teacher. If I had done that the student will be scared to speak their native language time and English will be harder for them to learn because they will not feel comfortable talking to me. They can speak in their native language in my classroom but I will also encourage them to speak English and I will use visual aids to help them become more comfortable with the new language. I will also implement student interactions in my classroom, I will use turn and talk so that my students can hear how they can also say something differently. I want them to feel comfortable talking to their peers and learn from them instead of listening to me all day and not having the opportunity to practice what they have learned. I am excited to learn how to use those methods and will use them in my future classroom.
As the course was ending I would have liked that we could have learned more about differentiated instruction. I know that using all these methods for ELL’s is differentiated instruction but that is just for language purposes, how can that extend into science and math and social studies. I would have liked to learn how to differentiate academic areas for ELL’s.
In conclusion, this class was very beneficial as I continue my student teaching course and when I become a teacher. I will use student interactions in my classroom and I will research how to differentiate for ELL’s
Before I took this course I was hesitant to know if I would learn and use what I learned in the classroom when I become a teacher but after this course I have realized the importance of learning about second language students and the best methods to teach them. My understanding in this course has grown, this will impact my class by knowing what methods to use to teach my students that are ELL’s and differentiated instruction for ELL’s should given more attention for future classes.
When I first enrolled in the course I thought I knew what I should teach my ELL students and it was going to simple and easy. I have changed my mind. After reading the textbook, watching several videos of bilingual classes, and observing a bilingual class I realized there a lot more that entails to teach these students. I was a bilingual student and I never realized that the way I was taught was not the best practice, I have come to learn that it is encouraged to support the ELL’s home language. As Wright (2015) states, “their academic success depends in large part on how the school, and the wider society treat them, their language, their culture, their families, and communities” (page 19), I always thought that the students had to learn English first and that language only. After reading the chapter and that text I realized and learned that in order for the students to be successful and motivated to learn they need to know that their language is to be celebrated and encouraged to use. I saw that first hand while I was observing the bilingual class, the teacher always encouraged them to use both languages and to use whichever language they were more comfortable with. After receiving the support they needed they have become dominant in both languages which is the primary goal. I also learned how powerful student interactions were, they help the student learn quicker and easier because they are discussing things with their peers and they can say it in a way the students will understand. No matter how hard I try I may not be able to explain something to a student the way another student can explain it to them.
By learning the importance of encouraging their language and student interactions I will use those methods to teach my students. I will make sure to encourage them to speak in the language they feel most comfortable with at first, I do not want to scare them into only using English because at that point I have failed them as a teacher. If I had done that the student will be scared to speak their native language time and English will be harder for them to learn because they will not feel comfortable talking to me. They can speak in their native language in my classroom but I will also encourage them to speak English and I will use visual aids to help them become more comfortable with the new language. I will also implement student interactions in my classroom, I will use turn and talk so that my students can hear how they can also say something differently. I want them to feel comfortable talking to their peers and learn from them instead of listening to me all day and not having the opportunity to practice what they have learned. I am excited to learn how to use those methods and will use them in my future classroom.
As the course was ending I would have liked that we could have learned more about differentiated instruction. I know that using all these methods for ELL’s is differentiated instruction but that is just for language purposes, how can that extend into science and math and social studies. I would have liked to learn how to differentiate academic areas for ELL’s.
In conclusion, this class was very beneficial as I continue my student teaching course and when I become a teacher. I will use student interactions in my classroom and I will research how to differentiate for ELL’s
Hey Laura, I enjoyed reading your fourth and final blog! I love how you included that you want to ensure your students use both their home language ad English in the classroom. I actually was on the same page as you, I thought they only had to focus on the English language and strictly only speak the English Language. I found it awesome that it is encouraged to speak English and whatever other language the students know to become more successful in school. According to Wright, He does say that is important that the student does not forget their primary home language while learning the English language in school (p.69).
ReplyDeleteWright, Wayne. Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, 2015. Print. Second Edition.
Hi Shelly! Thanks for replying to my blog, yes I believe it is important to celebrate students native language Wright (2015) states that “they are disadvantaged when schools do not recognize, value, and incorporate these differences” (page 19). In my classroom I want to make sure that all my students know that their differences and cultures are appreciated and celebrated. I need to make sure that my students have a safe environment so they can learn to their fullest ability.
DeleteWright, Wayne. (2015). Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice(second.). Philadelphia, PA: Caslon
Hello Laura,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your reflection about this course. Everyone has a different experience with learning about ELL students. I also thought that with my bilingual background I was going to be great at teaching ELL students their additional language. I was so wrong. Currently I in the class that I am student teaching I have a few ELL students. One of the students is in the beginning level, so at times I always encourage him to talk in his home language, so I can better understand him. The moment that I talked to that student in our home language, Spanish, my mentor teacher applaud me because she was that’s what being a teacher is all about. As I communicate with my ELL students in both languages, I use some of the Productive Talk moves that Wright, 2015, mentions in the book; Repeat, Revoicing, Reasoning, Adding on, and Waiting time. I know that I will be able to communicate with my students and I should never deprive them of their home language.
Wright, Wayne. Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, 2015. Print. Second Edition.
Hi Verenice! Thank you for replying to my blog. That is amazing to hear that you encourage your student to speak in the language that they are comfortable in, you are creating a safe environment for the student and you are also celebrating and valuing their home language. As Wright (2015) states, “their academic success depends in large part on how the school, and the wider society treat them, their language, their culture, their families, and communities” (page 19), when you encourage him to speak the language he is comfortable in you are increasing his success in school. You’re going to be an amazing teacher!
DeleteWright, Wayne. (2015). Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice(second.). Philadelphia, PA: Caslon
Hi Laura! I enjoyed reading your blogs! Like you, I feel I have grown in knowledge and gained much perspective in understanding the depth entailed to teach our ELLs. I really connected with your comment regarding their academic success that was found in our text by Wright. I have primarily witnessed ELLs in the schools learning English only. It would be so amazing and beneficial to see all ELLs learn both their home and target language simultaneously. Wright states that acculturation is when "immigrants and their children can adapt to the new language and culture without having to sacrifice their own" (Wright, 2015, p.20). This is what our multicultural society needs! You stated that "in order for the students to be successful and motivated to learn they need to know that their language is to be celebrated and encouraged to use." I absolutely agree! Your mindset is much aligned with Wrights' statement regarding ELLs growing in the target language without sacrificing their own. We as teachers need should celebrate their culture and find connections with them to build onto their culture within our classrooms! Thank you Laura for sharing your blog! Enjoy the holiday break!
ReplyDeleteWright, Wayne (2015). Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caston, Second Edition.
Hi Amanda! Thanks for replying to my blog. I completely agree with you when you say that it is better for them to learn in both languages, it would increase their self esteem and help them in the long run. I do not want to discourage and belittle their native language but celebrate it as Wright (2015) states “their academic success depends in large part on how the school, and the wider society treat them, their language, their culture, their families, and communities” (page 19). My celebration and encouragement of their language could positively impact their academic success.
DeleteWright, Wayne. (2015). Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice(second.). Philadelphia, PA: Caslon
Hi Laura! I enjoyed reading your final blog about the course. You talked about a lot of useful strategies that we had learned throughout the course. I have the same view on letting the students use the language they feel most comfortable speaking first then gradually introducing them to a new language. I feel if they are rapidly pushed to learn a new language then they will not properly learn the language. This goes with wanting to make sure the students feel at ease in the classroom. As Wright (2015) talks about, "the teacher's job is to provide comprehensible input in a safe and enjoyable classroom environment" (pg. 61). We as future teachers need to know that the students are already struggling with learning a new language which is why they should not feel uncomfortable with where they are learning.
ReplyDeleteWright, Wayne (2015). Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caston, Second Edition.
Hi Caroline! Thanks for reading and replying to my blog! I completely agree with you that we should encourage them to use their language and then gradually have them speak in English. I do not want to cause the students to abandon their language as Wright (2015) states " abandon their home language and culture" (page 19), to me that is so sad and I do not want to be responsible for a student losing their culture. I will happily allow them to speak in any language they feel most comfortable in so they can be successful.
DeleteWright, Wayne (2015). Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caston, Second Edition.
ReplyDeleteHey Laura!
I really enjoyed reading your reflection for this class! I especially liked your comment “I realized and learned that in order for the students to be successful and motivated to learn they need to know that their language is to be celebrated and encouraged to use.” According to Wright (2015) “When ESL and content instruction in English pressure students to replace or demote the home language, subtractive bilingualism may occur” (Pg.22) It is incredibly important to try to be as sensitive and understanding as possible of the student and their needs, and to understand that they will eventually (with your help as a teacher) learn how to speak proficient English, and that we do not need to discourage them from speaking their home language in order to get them to the proficient level.
Wright, Wayne. Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, 2015.Print. Second Edition