Language
Definition:
Language- the method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way.
ESL- english as a second language
Many students today are faced with the challenge of having to learn English as a second language. A misconception that we have as Americans is that we typically believe that the entire world should just learn English. This is a pretty ignorant frame of mind considering that there are 6900 different languages in the world and 311 different languages spoken in the United States alone. Many schools are starting to rethink their training and curriculum to address the issue of the large number of incoming students who may have limited English skills.
Language- the method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way.
ESL- english as a second language
Many students today are faced with the challenge of having to learn English as a second language. A misconception that we have as Americans is that we typically believe that the entire world should just learn English. This is a pretty ignorant frame of mind considering that there are 6900 different languages in the world and 311 different languages spoken in the United States alone. Many schools are starting to rethink their training and curriculum to address the issue of the large number of incoming students who may have limited English skills.
Helpful Strategies
1. When planning lessons, factor in the students who are ESLs.
|
2. When lecturing in class, be sure to provide a visual and verbal cues.
|
3. Allow the student to speak in their native tongue in some cases so they can express their ideas.
|
Class Activity
Have each student be randomly assigned a foreign language to create a presentation about culture, geography, and anything else the student find interesting about their assigned language. On a given due date, all of the students will present their findings to each other so see that there are many languages in the world, not just English.
Reading Material
Resources
1. Communicaid Language Assistance
Communicaid Inc. 2077 Gateway Place Suite 220 San Jose, CA 95110 Phone - 866.249.8069 |
2. English Language Learner/Diversity
Heartland AEA 11 6500 Corporate Drive Johnston, IA 50131 515/270-9030 800/362-2720 |
3. National Association for Bilingual Education
8701 Georgia Avenue Suite 700 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Phone: (240) 450-3700 Fax: (240) 450-3799 |