Hello Lauren! I really enjoyed your introductory video! I'm super stoked that your heart has a desire to work with children and you were able to figure that out prior to majoring in business! I agree that traveling is a way to immerse yourself in a second language. It also provides one an opportunity to explore a variety of cultures and aids in gaining perspectives outside of our own. Maybe one day I will be able to financially provide this opportunity for my children and I! Although I agree that immersion, complete immersion, can lead to a more rapid path of learning a L2, it also has to have some sort of balance. When an individual is "forced" into immersion (like a refugee), it could potentially have a negative impact. The individual may feel it is "sink or swim." Our text refers to a metaphor called "the melting pot." This is where immigrants abandon their language and culture to become Americans. This is also known as, assimilation. However, a much desirable alternative if acculturation. We want our ELL's to adapt to the new language and culture without having to sacrifice their own (Wright, 2015, p. 19-20). Therefore, yes I agree with you that we need to scaffold our ELL's to learn the L2 but at the same time, it is imperative that we as teachers do not try to strip away their native language within the school. If possible, we should guide them in both L1 and L2. We do not want them to lose their L1 and face the many potential consequences that are listed in the table on p. 22 of our text. I think it is all about balance and that balance will be different for each and every one of our students.
Wright, Wayne (2015). Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, Second Edition.
I agree with you, I do not want my future ELL students to feel like they must abandon their old culture. I want to embrace their native language and culture in the classroom in a way that can help them learn English. The faster they can learn English, the more successful they will be in school. As a teacher, I would need to support that student in any way possible to help them become successful and independent in my classroom and in the American school system. Perhaps I could read cultural books about their native country or do a social studies lesson about their culture and integrate them into the lesson. They would be strengthening their English while focusing on their native culture.
Hi Lauren, On Wright, pg. 29, it states that teachers who respect their students’ home languages and cultures can be most effective in helping students” (Wright, 2015, p.29). By doing this we are accepting and being welcoming of all of our students’ different backgrounds. I agree with you that doing this is important for children. I also feel that it is important to do in the classroom because in the classroom setting students are always learning, by having students show others about their culture and background, this is just another way for students to learn.
Wright, Wayne. Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, 2015. Print. Second Edition
Hi Lauren! I feel like your experience of learning Spanish is the true definition of being an instructed language learner. I also had the same experience with my language learning experience in high school. I took a Turkish class, and though I did well enough to pass the class, none of the language has stuck with me at all. I also agree that Spanish is a VERY important language to know, especially living in Houston. I have also tried Duolingo, and found that it’s hard to stay motivated to continue with the app. I also completely relate to your experience with your non-English speaking parent at meet the teacher, my classroom is bilingual and I have had that happen so many times already and it truly is an eye-opener of the fact that knowing a second language is so important.
Yes, I believe being taught a second language in the classroom is not enough to become fluent in the language. The new language must be used much more often and consistently in order to become truly fluent. As a high schooler, taking a foreign language for one period every other day is not enough practice or interaction with the language. I want to become a strong Spanish speaker, so I can communicate with my future student’s parents, but I’m not quite sure how I will do it yet.
Good evening, Lauren! I loved watching your introductory video. Like you, I also found my passion for working with children before I majored in something else. I agree with you that Spanish is a language that can be very helpful to know, especially with how diverse our city is. Surrounding ourselves with people from other languages can help us learn about other cultures. As stated in the text, Wright (2015, p. 29) states that "teachers who respect their students' home languages and cultures can be most effective in helping students make the necessary" without neglecting the customs taught by their parents to help their education and development. I find this personally very important when it comes to letting children embrace the cultures that they were brought up in.
Wright, Wayne (2015). Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, Second Edition.
I definitely agree with you about what Wright said on page 29. In order for students to be successful in the classroom, they must feel safe and accepted. If teachers took the time to understand their student’s cultural norms, they may be much more successful in the classroom. This also supports what Wright says about not forcing them to abandon their old culture. If the teacher embraces the student’s cultures in the classroom, they would become more knowledgeable of each other and more successful in their transition.
Good evening, Lauren! You pretty much just explained why my philosophy involves encouraging children to embrace their culture rather than limiting themselves. Since students look up to their educators, it is important that teachers become more knowledgeable on other cultures that might be in their classroom, so they can teach their students things about that other language. Students might be more engaged if they see their teacher learning about something new. I also agree that teachers need to take the time to understand their students cultural norms. I, for one, need to do research on certain cultures as well so I have a better understanding of where some of my students are coming from. I personally believe that this would do nothing but help me in the long run!
I loved watching your video and I'm so happy that you chose to switch your major and want to work with children. I completely agree with you that I believe people should immerse themselves in the culture in order to learn the language better. I do have to say that schools have gotten better about teaching other languages and helping bilingual students, schools no longer "take the assimilationist approach fail to take into consideration the needs of the students as a whole and the needs of the student's family and community" (Wright, 2015, 22) . I'm proud to see schools changing in order to better help their students.
Wright, Wayne. Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, 2015. Print. Second Edition
I have also noticed schools changing in order to better help their students in the realm of language. I have noticed there are many more bilingual classrooms now than there were when I was in grade school. I have also heard that my old school district has a program in its elementary schools that places students in Spanish speaking classrooms in Kindergarten and they become fluent in Spanish by the time they reach 5th grade. I think this is great! We should be teaching students a second language before middle school, because the younger you are the easier it is for you to learn a new language.
In my placement, we make large accommodations to help our ELLs greatly in our classrooms. I'm with 2nd grade so it can be challenging for our students especially because most of them are still struggling to read, let alone learn a whole new language. I love that your elementary school is doing that for its students. I think it is so important to expose children to a new language for a number of reasons. One of the reasons being that it teaches children acceptance at such a young age, and that knowing a different language is not a bad thing. I think some children are unsure about students who struggle with English, but if they know that learning a new language is a process and doesn't happen immediately, then they'll be able to accept others around them and learn to be kind and respectful of others and their cultures.
Hello Lauren! I really enjoyed your introductory video! I'm super stoked that your heart has a desire to work with children and you were able to figure that out prior to majoring in business! I agree that traveling is a way to immerse yourself in a second language. It also provides one an opportunity to explore a variety of cultures and aids in gaining perspectives outside of our own. Maybe one day I will be able to financially provide this opportunity for my children and I! Although I agree that immersion, complete immersion, can lead to a more rapid path of learning a L2, it also has to have some sort of balance. When an individual is "forced" into immersion (like a refugee), it could potentially have a negative impact. The individual may feel it is "sink or swim." Our text refers to a metaphor called "the melting pot." This is where immigrants abandon their language and culture to become Americans. This is also known as, assimilation. However, a much desirable alternative if acculturation. We want our ELL's to adapt to the new language and culture without having to sacrifice their own (Wright, 2015, p. 19-20). Therefore, yes I agree with you that we need to scaffold our ELL's to learn the L2 but at the same time, it is imperative that we as teachers do not try to strip away their native language within the school. If possible, we should guide them in both L1 and L2. We do not want them to lose their L1 and face the many potential consequences that are listed in the table on p. 22 of our text. I think it is all about balance and that balance will be different for each and every one of our students.
ReplyDeleteWright, Wayne (2015). Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, Second Edition.
I agree with you, I do not want my future ELL students to feel like they must abandon their old culture. I want to embrace their native language and culture in the classroom in a way that can help them learn English. The faster they can learn English, the more successful they will be in school. As a teacher, I would need to support that student in any way possible to help them become successful and independent in my classroom and in the American school system. Perhaps I could read cultural books about their native country or do a social studies lesson about their culture and integrate them into the lesson. They would be strengthening their English while focusing on their native culture.
DeleteHi Lauren,
DeleteOn Wright, pg. 29, it states that teachers who respect their students’ home languages and cultures can be most effective in helping students” (Wright, 2015, p.29). By doing this we are accepting and being welcoming of all of our students’ different backgrounds. I agree with you that doing this is important for children. I also feel that it is important to do in the classroom because in the classroom setting students are always learning, by having students show others about their culture and background, this is just another way for students to learn.
Wright, Wayne. Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, 2015. Print. Second Edition
Hi Lauren! I feel like your experience of learning Spanish is the true definition of being an instructed language learner. I also had the same experience with my language learning experience in high school. I took a Turkish class, and though I did well enough to pass the class, none of the language has stuck with me at all. I also agree that Spanish is a VERY important language to know, especially living in Houston. I have also tried Duolingo, and found that it’s hard to stay motivated to continue with the app. I also completely relate to your experience with your non-English speaking parent at meet the teacher, my classroom is bilingual and I have had that happen so many times already and it truly is an eye-opener of the fact that knowing a second language is so important.
ReplyDeleteYes, I believe being taught a second language in the classroom is not enough to become fluent in the language. The new language must be used much more often and consistently in order to become truly fluent. As a high schooler, taking a foreign language for one period every other day is not enough practice or interaction with the language. I want to become a strong Spanish speaker, so I can communicate with my future student’s parents, but I’m not quite sure how I will do it yet.
DeleteGood evening, Lauren! I loved watching your introductory video. Like you, I also found my passion for working with children before I majored in something else. I agree with you that Spanish is a language that can be very helpful to know, especially with how diverse our city is. Surrounding ourselves with people from other languages can help us learn about other cultures. As stated in the text, Wright (2015, p. 29) states that "teachers who respect their students' home languages and cultures can be most effective in helping students make the necessary" without neglecting the customs taught by their parents to help their education and development. I find this personally very important when it comes to letting children embrace the cultures that they were brought up in.
ReplyDeleteWright, Wayne (2015). Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, Second Edition.
I definitely agree with you about what Wright said on page 29. In order for students to be successful in the classroom, they must feel safe and accepted. If teachers took the time to understand their student’s cultural norms, they may be much more successful in the classroom. This also supports what Wright says about not forcing them to abandon their old culture. If the teacher embraces the student’s cultures in the classroom, they would become more knowledgeable of each other and more successful in their transition.
DeleteGood evening, Lauren! You pretty much just explained why my philosophy involves encouraging children to embrace their culture rather than limiting themselves. Since students look up to their educators, it is important that teachers become more knowledgeable on other cultures that might be in their classroom, so they can teach their students things about that other language. Students might be more engaged if they see their teacher learning about something new. I also agree that teachers need to take the time to understand their students cultural norms. I, for one, need to do research on certain cultures as well so I have a better understanding of where some of my students are coming from. I personally believe that this would do nothing but help me in the long run!
DeleteHi Lauren,
ReplyDeleteI loved watching your video and I'm so happy that you chose to switch your major and want to work with children. I completely agree with you that I believe people should immerse themselves in the culture in order to learn the language better. I do have to say that schools have gotten better about teaching other languages and helping bilingual students, schools no longer "take the assimilationist approach fail to take into consideration the needs of the students as a whole and the needs of the student's family and community" (Wright, 2015, 22) . I'm proud to see schools changing in order to better help their students.
Wright, Wayne. Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon, 2015. Print. Second Edition
I have also noticed schools changing in order to better help their students in the realm of language. I have noticed there are many more bilingual classrooms now than there were when I was in grade school. I have also heard that my old school district has a program in its elementary schools that places students in Spanish speaking classrooms in Kindergarten and they become fluent in Spanish by the time they reach 5th grade. I think this is great! We should be teaching students a second language before middle school, because the younger you are the easier it is for you to learn a new language.
DeleteHi Laura and Lauren,
DeleteIn my placement, we make large accommodations to help our ELLs greatly in our classrooms. I'm with 2nd grade so it can be challenging for our students especially because most of them are still struggling to read, let alone learn a whole new language. I love that your elementary school is doing that for its students. I think it is so important to expose children to a new language for a number of reasons. One of the reasons being that it teaches children acceptance at such a young age, and that knowing a different language is not a bad thing. I think some children are unsure about students who struggle with English, but if they know that learning a new language is a process and doesn't happen immediately, then they'll be able to accept others around them and learn to be kind and respectful of others and their cultures.