Case
Just got a student who cannot speak English - what do I do?

I am only in my second year teaching and I’ve just received a student who has only been in the country for 5 days. He only speaks Spanish. How do I accommodate this student? I don’t know what materials to give or what aids to give them. There are three Spanish speakers in his class that I have him seated next to, but I know that can’t cover everything I have to do to help him. How do I even get grades for him if he can’t read or write in English? I know I can possibly get resources in Spanish. I just won’t know if they’re good or useful. I am in contact with the ELL teacher, but all she said is she can give my work to a translator. That just feels like a lot of extra steps and a long waiting game. I really want to make him feel welcome and not have him feel overwhelmed as much as possible. I know this is a scary change for a child. Any advice will be appreciated.

Posted on: 02/12/24 | Views: 110
Solution #1
I would first off contact the school to see if the student, or your classroom, would qualify for any additional support staff such as an aid, translator, or one-on-one. I would also begin by utilizing pictures, images, and gestures to communicate with the student. Try to find out what their personal interests are and use that information to help them learn English in a comfortable setting.
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Solution #2
There are many strategies you could use to assist the ESOL student! Being in the preproduction stage of language acquisition, your student is likely to be quiet for some time. This stage of language acquisition is characterized as the "silent period," as they're primarily listening as a method of learning. I suggest supplying them with labeled pictures, and using methods such as Total Physical Response (TPR) to assist in their language learning. Try to remember they're in a new situation, likely anxious and lacking confidence. Try to build their confidence!
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Solution #3
It's important to make sure the student understands what you are communicating, but it is also important not to rely heavily on translation. Like zyzuDy said, I think lots of gestures and pictures can help a lot. Relying on translation to communicate with the student will lead to learning some English, but not acquiring the language, which is what is needed to become fluent in a second language.
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