My changes

Welcome to Mrs. Pritchett’s ESL Classr= oom!

This newsletter will tell you a little about how ESL differs from regular classr= oom instruction and how I, as an ESL teacher, help students gain success with b= oth acquiring a second language and learning the curriculum.<= /p>

3D"*" Who qualifies for ESL Services?

Upon enrolling in Hickory Public Schools, parents fill out a Home Language Survey. If the student speaks a language o= ther than English, or is exposed to another language in the home, he/she will be tested in four areas to determine whether or not he/she needs English Langu= age services: Listening, speaking, reading and writing. Levels of proficiency a= re defined as Performance Definitions and range from Level 1 - Entering to Lev= el 6 – Reaching. Students scoring below levels 5 and 6 are usually conside= red to have Limited English Proficiency= and will probably receive daily ESL services from myself. These students benefit from modified instruction designed to enhance reading comprehension and vocabulary, and to help the student obtain success in all the content areas= . If a student is very close to obtaining fluent status, and performs well in the classroom, he might be served consultatively (on an ‘as needed’ basis). The hope is these students will pass the ESL test during the next testing session.

3D"*" What is modified instruction?

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Learning in a second language is exceptionally demanding. Modified instruction helps language make sense to the English Language Learner. To accomplish this, I = use many different techniques. New material is presented in a familiar way with the = aid of pictures, graphs, graphic organizers and gestures. Role-playing, realia, and hands-on demonstrations are often employe= d. Key vocabulary and phrases are presented, practiced and kept visible. I check f= or understanding frequently, using student work and by asking higher-order thinking questions.

Research in the area of English Language Learning reveals that it takes 5-7 years to acquire a language, but as teachers, we are required to make students proficient in much less time. Being below grade level is very frustrating a= nd can cause a child a lot of stress. As teachers, we work as a team, always trying to help students understand grade level material and experience succ= ess.

3D"*" What can I do as an ESL parent?

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1. Volunteering at the school and getting involved with your child’s homework is essential. Please don’t think that because you don’t feel comfortable spea= king English that you are not welcome in your child’s classroom or in the = ESL classroom. Call me if you are able to volunteer in my room! 327-3491.<= /o:p>

2. Go ONLINE!!! There= are hundreds of great websites dedicated to teaching your child English. Look f= or them on my webpage on the Jenkins website. If you don’t have access to the Internet, go to the public library.

3. Get a library card= ! The next parent night will be at the Patrick Beaver Public Library. We will help you obtain a library card and introduce you to the wonderful resources offe= red by the SALT Block.

4. Take your child to Centro Latino for tutoring after school. Tutoring is available for Hispanic students Monday through Thursday. Currently, Jenkins does not provide transportation. Please call for more information

1. work 828-441-2493

2. fax 828-431-4811=