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Language, Learning, and Belonging: The IWCS English Language Learner (ELL) Program

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From the classroom to the community—language learning is about more than words. Explore how IWCS supports English Language Learners through individualized instruction, cultural connections, and a focus on building confidence and achievement.

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my name is Martin can I speak in English student can look like you and and me you know they they don't have to look any different we have a lot of students who were born in the United States and speak very good English and so teachers a lot of times are surprised to learn learned that they are in fact in English learner and then of course we have students of different cultures from different parts of the world you may detect an accent and some may speak in perfect English but if another language is present in the home that also qualifies the student to be screened and possibly placed in the program the EL population in Isle of Wight County are tremendous overcomers but their days are not easy they are often very humble students they are often overlooked but they are a very gracious and capable population it's very common to see quiet behaviors and students shut down or have a difficult time responding imagine being in their shoes in a setting that's very different than what they are used to immersed in a language that is not their primary language these students often go through culture shock they are grieving that they are in a new country and have left extended family behind all new smells all new sights foreign language people that look different than them many are quite scared and at a minimal greatly intimidated it takes anywhere from 4 to 7 years to master the academic language so just because our El students do well communicating with us and their peers it does not mean they're not struggling in their content classes so not only do we as the English language teachers teach English we collaborate with the classroom teacher to add support to help the student through modifications and accommodations I assist them with their assignments I support their teachers and my favorite part is being their biggest Advocate I love working with their families for whatever it is they may need from filling out documents to answering questions about the community so although English Learners are different they have a different nationality they often look different and they sound different they have more in common with English-speaking students than their differences these students want to excel they want to learn they want to be a part of their peer groups at lunch and at recess and it's really cool to see the other students come alongside them teach them vocabulary that's used at recess to play sports teach them the names of the foods they're eating in the cafeteria and it has been a great delight to watch our English-speaking students accept and encourage our English learners I think it's wonderful that we have more and more of these students because students who were born in the United States are exposed to other cultures the traditions the customs especially if our el students are willing to share and teachers promote and really appreciate the different cultures as an asset then it really can enrich everybody's experiences and view of the world I think it's important to remember that these students have amazing capabilities and will be excellent contributors to our society and that probability increases with each person around them that supports and believes in their success let's all try to be those people

Uploaded by Lynn Briggs.

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Language, Learning, and Belonging: The IWCS English Language Learner (ELL) Program

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