ESL student

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Home : 2002 : August : 29

ESL student
By Julianne

You're working with one of the critical issues of education today. I teach in a central city school where three quarters of my students do not speak English well or at all. It will take some getting used to, but you'll
probably end up loving your little Vietnamese student. Some things to try:
If things are getting better without mom, I would encourage you to let that go. I've had children get that upset before and it's always hard to watch. The thing that makes it so difficult in your situation is that the child has some legitimate reasons for reacting in such an extreme manner. No one at the school

can help her if she has a real problem. Try to reassure her that you will do everything you can to make her comfortable. Make sure she knows where the bathroom is and how to use it. You can make her a picture schedule so she'll know what happens next (a photo of each routine in your day, including a photo of mom picking her up at the end of the day.) Then if she gets weepy you can point to where you are in your day and she'll be able to see how much longer she needs to wait for mom.

Give her a buddy or two that will stay with her on the playground and during free play activities. You'll probably notice her talking to these children long before she'll feel comfortable talking to you.

Don't push her to speak to you. Many children go through a prolonged silent phase where they are assimilating the language, but not actively using it.

Invite her parents in often to share parts of their culture with your class. If they are unable to come, see if another family or community member can perform this task. Allow your child to bring things from home for show and tell even if she doesn't "tell". You can have mom or dad write what the item is and you can read about it to the class.

I really enjoy the energy and richness of our classroom "U.N." I hope you have a similar experience!