ESL Support in Elementary School

Summary

The video script showcases the journey of English language learners at Clermont Immersion School in Arlington, Virginia. Students like John Carlos, who arrived from Colombia with limited English, are provided with tailored support to become bilingual by fifth grade. Teachers like Amanda Rennels and Elizabeth Varela use differentiated instruction, small group sessions, and lunchtime activities to enhance oral language development. The school's inclusive environment, where staff and students come from diverse backgrounds, fosters a sense of belonging and motivates students to embrace the learning process.

Takeaways

• 🏫 Immersion School: The script describes a school in Arlington, Virginia, where children are immersed in a bilingual environment, learning both English and Spanish.
• 👦 Student Progression: Students like John Carlos, who arrived from Colombia with little English experience, are supported to become bilingual by the end of fifth grade.
• 📚 Differentiated Instruction: Amanda Rennels, a fourth-grade teacher, provides word study assignments tailored to different levels, including specific support for English language learners like John Carlos.
• 🗣️ Language Production: The script highlights the challenge of producing language, especially in speaking and writing, and how teachers like Ms. Rennels help students overcome this hurdle.
• 📖 Modified Activities: Teachers modify activities to ensure students can participate, such as reading aloud to students and scribing for them to encourage engagement.
• 🕒 Additional Support: John Carlos receives extra help with English three days a week, focusing on oral language development with the help of Elizabeth Varela, a fourth-grade teacher.
• 📚 Integrated ESL Teaching: Ms. Varela works with students in grade-level classrooms, using a 'push-in' approach where ESL teachers collaborate with grade-level teachers.
• 🍽️ Lunch Bunch: An additional support system is the Lunch Bunch, where students can get extra practice in reading and vocabulary during a 15-20 minute session.
• 🌐 Global Representation: The school staff is diverse, representing various nationalities and languages, which helps students feel included and valued for their native language skills.
• 🌟 Encouragement and Confidence: The script emphasizes the importance of encouragement in helping students, especially those learning a new language, to gain confidence and take risks.
• 🎥 NEA Support: The video production was supported by the National Education Association, indicating a broader recognition and support for such educational initiatives.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of the immersion school in Arlington, Virginia?

The primary goal of the immersion school is to have children become bilingual in English and Spanish by the end of fifth grade.

How does the school support English language learners in their learning process?

The school provides various supports such as word study assignments at different levels, differentiated instruction, and additional help with oral language development.

What is the role of Amanda Rennels in supporting John Carlos, a student from Colombia?

Amanda Rennels, as a fourth-grade teacher, provides word study assignments tailored to John Carlos' level, offers visual aids, and engages in discussions to aid his understanding.

What is the significance of providing pictorial support for students like John Carlos?

Pictorial support helps students like John Carlos visualize concepts and aids in their understanding, especially when they are new to the English language.

How does the school address the challenge of producing language for students like John Carlos?

The school addresses this by having teachers read texts aloud to students and scribing for them to encourage participation and overcome the fear of making spelling mistakes.

What is the purpose of the additional help John Carlos receives from Elizabeth Varela?

The purpose is to focus on oral language development, encouraging John Carlos to speak English as much as possible in a natural setting.

What is the 'pushing in' approach used by ESL teachers at Claremont?

The 'pushing in' approach involves ESL teachers working closely with grade-level teachers, planning together, and team-teaching in the classroom to support students.

What is the 'Lunch Bunch' and how does it support students?

The 'Lunch Bunch' is a 15-20 minute session where students can receive extra practice and personal attention on reading and vocabulary, focusing on areas they might need more help with.

How does the school create a safe and welcoming space for students like John Carlos?

The school creates a safe and welcoming space by having a diverse staff from all over the world, encouraging students to see themselves as experts in their native language, and fostering an environment where everyone is learning.

What is the significance of the 'silver lining' expression used in the script?

The 'silver lining' expression is used to convey the idea that there might be a positive aspect or opportunity in a situation that initially seems negative, such as moving to a new place.

How does the video production relate to the National Education Association?

The video production was made possible by the National Education Association, indicating their support and involvement in showcasing educational practices.