I feel that there is a double standard as a child that has a learning disability cannot be labeled disabled if it is due to the fact that they do not speak English. This seems like a very fine line and can be extremely hard to distinguish what is what. I feel it can trend similar to the times when English speaking children are all labeled ADHD. Finding the children who truly need medication can be difficult. I feel it can be even harder to figure out if an ELL student needs to be placed in a special education program. Another difficulty to overcome is from some cultures, too. People from the Marshall Islands feel that there is a stigma from labeling a child into Special Education Needs. This label is met with strong opposition from this culture. Other countries can create another obstacle in the fact that they do not understand what Special Education even means. As language is a barrier with many of these families, explaining Special Education can be extremely difficult, if their native country has nothing similar to it.
I can also understand the fact that a gifted student can suffer as well. Being gifted but having a language barrier can cause the student to get behind or missed due to the barrier. Plus, as the population of non English speaking children grow the public school system seems inadequate to handle these children. Special Education for English speaking children is limited to the resources available currently. Adding a language barrier or having several children from different countries seems to make this problem even harder to contend with. Many schools in America are already short staffed with over crowded classroom, and other schools in rural communities do not have the same resources as the schools in the major cities. These problems seem to impact the community even harder.
More and more responsibilities are added to the teachers as their classrooms diversify. Understanding what to look for and trying to constantly stay up to date on cultures and the students currently in the classroom seems like an even more daunting task.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Chapter 5 / Chicken Pox Video
After reading the chapter it was hard to understand all of the prospective ideas in the area of teaching ELL students. The video seemed to put everything into perspective. The transitions that the instructor made, along with the fact that I could not understand what he was saying while teaching; yet, I was able to follow along in his classroom. This had the biggest impact on me to see how students who do not speak the language, while young, will still be able to follow along in the classroom. It was interesting how the kids after only 9 weeks were able to speak some French and understand a lot more French than I even thought. They were able to answer the questions, and know what the teacher was asking, even though they did not speak French. All of his techniques cleared up questions that I have wondered about with teaching an ELL student. The flow of a classroom using visual aids as well as a lot of repetition seemed to be a huge factor in helping the children to follow his teaching strategies. I also realized the younger the children are the easier it is for them to follow another language, especially if it is in a song. The rhythm seems to get stuck in your head and it gives the child a point of reference by using the hand gestures as well.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Effective Teaching in a multilangual program
I thought it was interesting that most of the teachers in the program spoke Spanish and they translate the message in Spanish. Mostly though, it seemed as though she grouped the children with kids that spoke the same language as them. After that, many visual aids to get her point across seemed to be effective. By showing the children as she speaks, and then going through the motions of the project helps the children to better understand what she is talking about. All of her classes are placed in groups so that they will talk more to one another. The longer they are in the groups the better they get at speaking English. When new students come in that do not speak any English she pairs them up with some of her more advanced students to help them to get accustomed to the class. This helps the advanced students to get a sense of accomplishment as they are now becoming a teacher themselves while helping the teacher out.
Pairing students up having them to write out the math problems and then talk to each other helps the students to learn the spoken forms of math. This can be a difficult task as well, as they have to learn how to pronounce the numbers and the symbols.
Talking about other heritages in class helps the students to better understand that everyone is related in some way. Again, the teacher uses visual aids. The problem is the fact that the students do not have any background knowledge of America, so it makes teaching these students a little more difficult. American Indians is not thought of from children from other countries. Having the students act out things without words helps to make sure that the students understand what was recently read.
Bringing in the students cultures to help bring about the students knowledge as well. This helps the students realize that the knowledge they came to America with is not useless. Also, it seems to shine a light on that student to where they are teaching the other students about their place of birth, while learning about many other cultures at the same time. This helps to teach about many different cultures while discussing one culture.
Vocabulary is very important for ELL students. While reading the teacher can stop and discuss even a simple work such as creek. It is like a short mini lesson that happens while the main lesson is going on at the same time. This also helps the students to build their vocabulary and learn new words. I like the fact that the teacher stops and explains the word, as well as, she brings up other words that are similar that may have been discussed in other lessons. This seems to make sure their is a total understanding of the new word that has been introduced to the class.
Pairing students up having them to write out the math problems and then talk to each other helps the students to learn the spoken forms of math. This can be a difficult task as well, as they have to learn how to pronounce the numbers and the symbols.
Talking about other heritages in class helps the students to better understand that everyone is related in some way. Again, the teacher uses visual aids. The problem is the fact that the students do not have any background knowledge of America, so it makes teaching these students a little more difficult. American Indians is not thought of from children from other countries. Having the students act out things without words helps to make sure that the students understand what was recently read.
Bringing in the students cultures to help bring about the students knowledge as well. This helps the students realize that the knowledge they came to America with is not useless. Also, it seems to shine a light on that student to where they are teaching the other students about their place of birth, while learning about many other cultures at the same time. This helps to teach about many different cultures while discussing one culture.
Vocabulary is very important for ELL students. While reading the teacher can stop and discuss even a simple work such as creek. It is like a short mini lesson that happens while the main lesson is going on at the same time. This also helps the students to build their vocabulary and learn new words. I like the fact that the teacher stops and explains the word, as well as, she brings up other words that are similar that may have been discussed in other lessons. This seems to make sure their is a total understanding of the new word that has been introduced to the class.
Video of Marshall Islands
This was a video about the people that have moved to Springdale Arkansas from the Marshall Islands. The Marshall Islands people do not require a visa to come to America or need a work permit. This is done for the Islanders because we have tested nuclear weapons on their islands. Many if the islanders are here for the benefit of their children. The medical facilities in the islands are not as equipped as the ones here in America.
70% of the employees at Tyson Foods are from the Marshall Islands. The pay is much better then what they can make on the islands. The medical benefits and other employee benefits are much better here in America then what the people can receive on the islands. Another benefit is that Tyson does not require these people to have a high school education. Another large company that employees Marshallese people is the Walmart.
In Springdale there is a center called the Jones Center. This center is an important factor for the islanders. They have swimming and many other items similar to a typical YMCA.This place is a great place for many of the people from the islands to meet and for their kids to play with one another.
One problem is that some traditions can be misunderstood here in America. There was a family that had lost custody of the children due to some pictures of their baby that was misunderstood. It was believed that the baby was being sexually abused. Luckily, there are some people from the Marshall Islands that help to explain to the court system and other people, what type of traditions the islanders bring with them. She also helps the islanders to better adapt to American traditions as well. This is to help both communities become stronger with the blending of their culture as well as ours.
Each year the islanders have a memorial holiday to remember the nuclear testing that America has done to the islands. The islands have been a nuclear test site since 1946, and caused a great deal of problems for the islands. Many people have died or developed thyroid tumors because of the nuclear testing. Due to nuclear fall out on some of the islands the people have had to be evacuated or displaced to other islands in the Atolls. Cancer has become a large factor for the people of the islands due to the past testing of nuclear devices.
Even with cancer being a problem, many of the Marshallese do not seek medical attention. In NW Arkansas they have established a clinic for the Hispanic and Marshallese people. Marshallese suffer from diabetes by more than 5 times the amount of American. Normal sickness such as a cold or flu can be more severe to the Marshallese as well. Even with medical problems from cancer to diabetes, most of these people are very humble and kind and do not hold ill fate towards America.
Teenage Marshallese have a problem with the transition to American High Schools. In Springdale there are 111 kids in the high school. The biggest problem is that many of these kids do not speak English, and their education on the islands could be sketchy. There are not the same standards on the islands as there are here in America. This change in population has happened over the last few years. Ten years ago many of these schools were mainly Americans and few Hispanics. Today, the schools are at least 50% minority.
The islands are very different from NW Arkansas. Many of the people miss the islands. They miss things from weather, to the ocean, to the culture. They make the sacrifice to be here in Arkansas for the education and benefits that America has to offer. They are now feeling that Arkansas is home, but they still miss the islands. Many of the children have been born here in Arkansas so this is the only home that they know, except in the stories from their families. Many of the families state that they are just here for a little while and plan on going back to the islands at a later date. Many of them never leave and Arkansas becomes home.
70% of the employees at Tyson Foods are from the Marshall Islands. The pay is much better then what they can make on the islands. The medical benefits and other employee benefits are much better here in America then what the people can receive on the islands. Another benefit is that Tyson does not require these people to have a high school education. Another large company that employees Marshallese people is the Walmart.
In Springdale there is a center called the Jones Center. This center is an important factor for the islanders. They have swimming and many other items similar to a typical YMCA.This place is a great place for many of the people from the islands to meet and for their kids to play with one another.
One problem is that some traditions can be misunderstood here in America. There was a family that had lost custody of the children due to some pictures of their baby that was misunderstood. It was believed that the baby was being sexually abused. Luckily, there are some people from the Marshall Islands that help to explain to the court system and other people, what type of traditions the islanders bring with them. She also helps the islanders to better adapt to American traditions as well. This is to help both communities become stronger with the blending of their culture as well as ours.
Each year the islanders have a memorial holiday to remember the nuclear testing that America has done to the islands. The islands have been a nuclear test site since 1946, and caused a great deal of problems for the islands. Many people have died or developed thyroid tumors because of the nuclear testing. Due to nuclear fall out on some of the islands the people have had to be evacuated or displaced to other islands in the Atolls. Cancer has become a large factor for the people of the islands due to the past testing of nuclear devices.
Even with cancer being a problem, many of the Marshallese do not seek medical attention. In NW Arkansas they have established a clinic for the Hispanic and Marshallese people. Marshallese suffer from diabetes by more than 5 times the amount of American. Normal sickness such as a cold or flu can be more severe to the Marshallese as well. Even with medical problems from cancer to diabetes, most of these people are very humble and kind and do not hold ill fate towards America.
Teenage Marshallese have a problem with the transition to American High Schools. In Springdale there are 111 kids in the high school. The biggest problem is that many of these kids do not speak English, and their education on the islands could be sketchy. There are not the same standards on the islands as there are here in America. This change in population has happened over the last few years. Ten years ago many of these schools were mainly Americans and few Hispanics. Today, the schools are at least 50% minority.
The islands are very different from NW Arkansas. Many of the people miss the islands. They miss things from weather, to the ocean, to the culture. They make the sacrifice to be here in Arkansas for the education and benefits that America has to offer. They are now feeling that Arkansas is home, but they still miss the islands. Many of the children have been born here in Arkansas so this is the only home that they know, except in the stories from their families. Many of the families state that they are just here for a little while and plan on going back to the islands at a later date. Many of them never leave and Arkansas becomes home.
Internet Culture Project Similarities
When comparing all of the different countries I noticed that there was a similarity in religions within the regions. Many of the countries believe in Christianity and Buddhism. Some countries one was bigger than the other, but in general religion is a back bone for many of these countries.
Another factor is many of these countries have traditions that America is not familiar with. Many of these items are simple things such as not pointing with your feet as the bottoms of a foot is seen as unclean. Another taboo type thing to do is using your left hand. This hand is unclean.
One thing I found very interesting is that many of these countries no matter their literacy rate, the schools teach more than one language. The second language in many instances is English. Even with poverty and literacy rates as low as 50%, the country found it important to know another language other than their native language to help benefit their society. It is sad that the United States is not included in such a system. We feel that education is so important and yet we are on the bottom of the list when it comes to teaching our students something that would benefit every student through out their lives.
Most of these countries have a cost for schooling. This is something that we here in America take for granted. School is expected of our children and in many of these countries it is a privilege after certain ages or grade levels. Some countries have testing for students to get into high school and if they do not pass, then they are not allowed to continue their education. Rural areas, schools are even harder to attend as most of these countries do not have public school buses, so the students must walk miles just to attend school. This was not true of all countries as some have realized the importance of education of our youth.
The biggest similarity of all with these countries is their ties with the United States. At one time or another, due to war or government suppression, many of these people have made their way to America for a better education for their children. The other factor is that many of these people have made it to Arkansas. They all feel that their children will have better opportunities here in America then where they are from. Many times this is due to their government and the poverty of the country. Getting to America can be a whole other problem, as monetarily it can be very expensive just getting here. Many of the people in these different countries make around $1.00 to $3.00 a day, and with the cost of a plane ticket being over $1000.00 plus paperwork this can seem almost impossible for many.
After looking at all of these different countries, American students take a lot for granted. We have a system that has a few problems, but compared to these countries, in most cases, we have a wonderful schooling system.
Another factor is many of these countries have traditions that America is not familiar with. Many of these items are simple things such as not pointing with your feet as the bottoms of a foot is seen as unclean. Another taboo type thing to do is using your left hand. This hand is unclean.
One thing I found very interesting is that many of these countries no matter their literacy rate, the schools teach more than one language. The second language in many instances is English. Even with poverty and literacy rates as low as 50%, the country found it important to know another language other than their native language to help benefit their society. It is sad that the United States is not included in such a system. We feel that education is so important and yet we are on the bottom of the list when it comes to teaching our students something that would benefit every student through out their lives.
Most of these countries have a cost for schooling. This is something that we here in America take for granted. School is expected of our children and in many of these countries it is a privilege after certain ages or grade levels. Some countries have testing for students to get into high school and if they do not pass, then they are not allowed to continue their education. Rural areas, schools are even harder to attend as most of these countries do not have public school buses, so the students must walk miles just to attend school. This was not true of all countries as some have realized the importance of education of our youth.
The biggest similarity of all with these countries is their ties with the United States. At one time or another, due to war or government suppression, many of these people have made their way to America for a better education for their children. The other factor is that many of these people have made it to Arkansas. They all feel that their children will have better opportunities here in America then where they are from. Many times this is due to their government and the poverty of the country. Getting to America can be a whole other problem, as monetarily it can be very expensive just getting here. Many of the people in these different countries make around $1.00 to $3.00 a day, and with the cost of a plane ticket being over $1000.00 plus paperwork this can seem almost impossible for many.
After looking at all of these different countries, American students take a lot for granted. We have a system that has a few problems, but compared to these countries, in most cases, we have a wonderful schooling system.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Growing Roots Video
Immigrants cause a positive impact on our society. One of the reasons for this is that they pay taxes while working jobs and do not receive benefits such as social security, food stamps, or free health care. The impact of immigrants in Arkansas is $19billion a year. This creates more benefits for native families. Also they work many jobs that Americans do not want. By doing this these immigrants help to keep some companies here which benefit all people in the state. The only money truly lost is the money that immigrants spend elsewhere. It is said that $.30 of every dollar earned by immigrants is spent out of the state. Reasons for this are sometimes a simple fix in the fact of businesses not suited to help the immigrants here. By fixing these problems this money can stay in the state as well which will benefit the state even more.
Many cities in Arkansas have transformed as immigrant populations have moved into their areas. Some rural towns are seeing a revival of their communities as a strong work ethic and a young population concerned about education and having a better life for their families is causing the towns to change for the better and everyone in the town benefits.
There is still an us verses them attitude towards immigrants in many areas. This is a bigger problem for the natives of Arkansas then the immigrants. If the immigrants receive too much hostility towards them they can move to another town or state. If too many leave the state, the companies will follow along with many of the other benefits that immigrants create by living here.
In one town Pilgrams Pride Chicken factory built 2 soccer fields for the immigrants that have moved into the community. These fields do not just benefit the immigrants, but any child that wants to play soccer in the community. If it was not for the immigrants then these fields would not have been built. It is simple things like this that immigrants can help in rebuilding communities.
Children of other countries where education is a key factor, the children are learning more than their native language. America seems to have n attitude of "it is our way or the highway." This attitude does not work in a global economy. Communication has become easier with our technology, yet America is still behind the eight ball so to speak in preparing the next generation to take over. Only teaching our children English and not looking towards the future will prevent native born students from excelling. If an immigrant comes to America and later on has a child, that child is now a native American. That child will grow up knowing more than one language and can surpass their counterparts just because of that one benefit. The other is seeing their family with a strong work ethic, and so the child follows, but with the family pushing for their education, they will surpass us while we sit around and complain these immigrants taking our jobs, instead of preparing ourselves to handle our own lives. At one time we were immigrants here as well, we have just forgotten what that was like and have relaxed. Now the new immigrants are coming in and we are sitting back asleep at the wheel.
Many cities in Arkansas have transformed as immigrant populations have moved into their areas. Some rural towns are seeing a revival of their communities as a strong work ethic and a young population concerned about education and having a better life for their families is causing the towns to change for the better and everyone in the town benefits.
There is still an us verses them attitude towards immigrants in many areas. This is a bigger problem for the natives of Arkansas then the immigrants. If the immigrants receive too much hostility towards them they can move to another town or state. If too many leave the state, the companies will follow along with many of the other benefits that immigrants create by living here.
In one town Pilgrams Pride Chicken factory built 2 soccer fields for the immigrants that have moved into the community. These fields do not just benefit the immigrants, but any child that wants to play soccer in the community. If it was not for the immigrants then these fields would not have been built. It is simple things like this that immigrants can help in rebuilding communities.
Children of other countries where education is a key factor, the children are learning more than their native language. America seems to have n attitude of "it is our way or the highway." This attitude does not work in a global economy. Communication has become easier with our technology, yet America is still behind the eight ball so to speak in preparing the next generation to take over. Only teaching our children English and not looking towards the future will prevent native born students from excelling. If an immigrant comes to America and later on has a child, that child is now a native American. That child will grow up knowing more than one language and can surpass their counterparts just because of that one benefit. The other is seeing their family with a strong work ethic, and so the child follows, but with the family pushing for their education, they will surpass us while we sit around and complain these immigrants taking our jobs, instead of preparing ourselves to handle our own lives. At one time we were immigrants here as well, we have just forgotten what that was like and have relaxed. Now the new immigrants are coming in and we are sitting back asleep at the wheel.
Chapter 4
After looking at the aspects of how to teach an ELL student, I felt as though many of the suggestions were very similar to teaching any other student, the only difference is these students do not speak English. The national accountability is requiring us to access these students and hold them to the same standards as every other student. I feel that it did not say a whole lot to help in the fact of teaching a student, just some basic ideas. When looking at the chapter in whole, I feel that the problem is the fact that the government is trying to fix the school system and not listening to the experts which are the teachers that are in the field.
One thing I did find helpful was the TPR or total physical response. This was something that seemed to make sense in teaching students from another language, but how do you incorporate that into a classroom with English speaking students that already understand asit down and stand up. I felt that there was another step and it was missing from what to do next. Ideas are great but there just needs to be more.
I also agree that listening and speaking are not as well focused on. Listening is not a receptive skill and is considered passive. The way the chapter was written was as if the students learned English quickly and are able to easily follow everyone else in the classroom. It just seems like there is something missing from the chapter.
One thing I did find helpful was the TPR or total physical response. This was something that seemed to make sense in teaching students from another language, but how do you incorporate that into a classroom with English speaking students that already understand asit down and stand up. I felt that there was another step and it was missing from what to do next. Ideas are great but there just needs to be more.
I also agree that listening and speaking are not as well focused on. Listening is not a receptive skill and is considered passive. The way the chapter was written was as if the students learned English quickly and are able to easily follow everyone else in the classroom. It just seems like there is something missing from the chapter.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)