Part 1 – These students are
definitely doing double duty in every classroom. Often they need to learn how
to read, write and speak English while attempting to master content in Social studies
and science. They are asked in ELA to join book groups, read different genres
and compare non-fiction and fiction text. This is before they have mastered the
language. I cannot begin to imagine how overwhelming this must be for them.
Part 2 – Item 1 – Make it
visual. - In the library, I am a huge believer in signage. There are visual
clues all other the library but I now realize if you cannot read the clues they
are useless. I need to add picture clues. This will be something I work on ASAP.
Item 3 – Communicate with ENL
teacher. ENL teachers visit the library
regularly with their students. This has provided me with multiple opportunities
to confer and learn more about each student. This has helped me better
understand and work with these kids. It can be difficult to find reading
material that is accessible and meets the child’s interests. I struggle with
providing material that will allow them to participate in class while not
insulting their intelligence. Many of these kids speak 3 or 4 languages, they
are very intelligent. I work with both their ENL and ELA teachers to provide
meaningful reading material.
I love google translate. It
has gotten me through many a sticky conversation.
