ESL

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2001 : November : 30

ESL
By Julianne

Seat her next to a couple of sharp students and let her copy, copy, copy.
Don't expect her to speak right away. Most ESL students go through a "silent" phase. I've noticed that particularly with my oriental students.
Don't
worry excessively about the level of her work for now.
Start now labeling your classroom with photos (if possible) and words in English. Add Chinese words if you can. You might be able to have her parents help with this task if they speak enough English.
She will most likely start speaking to your other students before she'll speak to you. Give her that opportunity whenever

possible.
Try to arrange your classroom work so that students are in coopertive groups for much of the day.
If you find something she is good at, use it! I asked one of my ESL students to draw pictures for a class publication because her art abilities are way above average. She was thrilled to have a special job.
Learn to say hello, goodbye, please and thank you in her language. There are web resources for this if you don't have a speaker near you.

Above all, think of this student as a bonus - a real asset to your class. She will bring with her wonderful experiences from her homeland. Help her to share those experiences with your other students in any ways she can. Really, I've found my non-native speaker students to be such a joy and a learning experience for ME! I hope you feel the same.