I began the school year with two kindergarten boys who had just moved to Guam with their families and spoke little to no English. The boys are of different ethnicities. Early in the school year, I placed extremely talkative girls next to them in hopes they could all help each other. My intention was (1) to provide opportunities for the boys learn to talk through socialization, and (2) to control the noise level by placing noisy students with extremely quite ones.
Today I found myself telling those same ESL boys, several times, to be quiet and to stop talking. They are still not as fluent as my native English speakers, but they definitely have a whole lot to say.
Additionally, their test scores are fantastic. Both are functioning at or above grade level and have no problems communicating with me or their peers. Their whole language & academic development fascinates me!
Introducing the ED673 Team!
ED673 Class Photo
Learning in action!
Learning in action!
I am glad that your students are doing so well in your class. You know what I have noticed about this new students coming in. They will be shy at first because they don't know anyone in the classroom but after three weeks of getting to know everyone in the class, you will find yourself trying to figure it out how to get them to stop distracting your lecture. Sometimes these students will be shy only for a short while because it's a new environment and place. And as soon as they are comfortable with everyone they will start talking. We just have to keep in mind to give them time. They will come around when they are more comfortable. I am always fascinated with my students. I miss being in the classroom and I can't wait to go back once I finish.
ReplyDeleteThat is an amusing story, Jodi. I actually have students too who used to be really quiet but now are becoming gabbier. I think it's particularly because they are starting to feel some kind of belonging with the group as they are developing in their language skills. Now the trick is, how to get them to be quiet. :)
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