Mod 3 Unit 1 Activity 2: Blog

Current Methods For Language Acquisitions in the Classroom:

1. Using a translator when especially doing a small group--I have worked with ELL students in second grade, where we would share an Apple translator app on my phone! This would help with establishing what work they would be doing, what the instructions are for the work, as well as general communication (answering questions the students may have)--these are some examples. One of the students had more developed English-speaking skills than the other student so they would help translate at times.

2. Which leads to my next strategy I have used: pairing students. When I was a substitute I had worked with both Spanish-speaking and Russian-speaking ELL students. I was able to pair both with another student in the classroom that either spoke the native language and/or the ELL students became friends with (or if a student volunteered to become their buddy!). This helps the ELL or ESL student to better acclimate to the classroom (i.e. curriculum, schedule, routine) than they would have on their own. This strategy is sometimes successful---I found that every once in awhile the isolation that may come with the language barrier can be quite much for certain students and, regardless of the strategies we use in school, they eventually switch schools.

3. Translating Lessons/Schedules/Curriculums: I do have some proficiency in the Spanish language and was able to use it while as a substitute in my first year at the current job. Though tricky, it did help the ELL student better understand the flow of the schedule and transitions. I would say for this that if you do know a second language well enough (i.e. writing and speaking) and are comfortable using it then to implement it as apart of the curriculum. The students will feel seen (hopefully)/will have a better understanding!