behavior

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Home : 2002 : January : 25

behavior
By Julianne

How old is your student? I have first grade students, half of which are ESL. We expect pretty much the same behavior from them as we do from our other students. We have some help in the form of a couple of staff members
who do speak Spanish. If you have someone who can translate even occasionally it really helps. Have them go over class rules with the child. Perhaps have them write the rules in the child's native language, especially if he can read in Spanish. Also have someone teach you a couple of phrases in Spanish like "Sit down" and "Don't bite!"
Even if you don't have someone to help you out,

most children understand the cause and effect of consequence-driven management even if they have trouble with the language. Reasonable behavior in any culture usually doesn't involve biting others. And every child understands "No!" when said vehemently and with a frown. So state in simple English what you want the child to do. Have him looking directly at you so he understands you are talking to him. Then don't be afraid to follow through with a consequence if he breaks a rule.

The bigger answer for this child is to find engaging activities for him. You can pair him with another child if you haven't already done so. And you can have him copy from someone else's paper even if he doesn't yet understand what he is writing. I'm in the middle of gaining an ESL endorsement and I wish I could share all the wonderful advice they have been giving me in those classes. It makes me have real hope for these kids.