A challenge with the greatest reward.

What constitutes a challenge? It is something that you might question your ability to complete, and you possibly consider it an incredibly difficult task to face. If we create a sense of confidence in the unknown, we are left with the reassurance that we are capable of achieving success and avoid trepidation. For many teachers, the first time that we have a student who has little or no background with English, the thought of constantly engaging them in relevant activities throughout the entire day can be intimidating. Based on my experience teaching English language learners, I can assure you that it is a challenge worth facing.

Just before the first day of school, be aware of students in your classroom who need to be provided ESOL services. If possible, position their desks next to a fluent English speaker who has the same first language; this way, when you are at a complete loss for actions or visuals to get your message across, the other student can translate. Over time, they will use their buddies' help less and less, as they become comfortable being immersed into an English language environment. From the second that they walk through the door, it's the teacher's responsibility to present information or assess what the child is trying to convey by verbally labeling it in English, using symbols and actions consistently.

Are you wondering how you can work with that student and all of the rest of your class, when the English language learner constantly needs help on items that your other students have mastered? Leveled math and reading centers will provide you with the chance to work with small groups on areas where they need to enhance or develop skills. Alphabet phonogram DVDs, interactive bulletin boards, and graphic organizers, for example, are center activities that promote practical exposure to their modified curriculum. Of course, not every moment of the day will be spent in small groups. When you make accommodations for whole-class instruction, you simply end up applying great teaching techniques that will benefit all students. Throughout the day, ESOL tutors may work one-on-one on the student's specific needs, such as practice with letter identification, phonograms, counting, and modified spelling lists composed of sight words and category lists, which assists in constantly engaging the student in relevant material.

For the students who are getting a fresh start at English, I think that setting them up with tape players so that they can listen to books on tape at home helps them learn to pronounce words correctly. Some parents commented that they also are learning English from participating in the homework assignments. When it comes to effectively communicating with parents, I prefer to use a translated rubric to update them on their child's weekly progress. Translators and home-liaisons can help bridge the language barrier between the teacher and the student's family.

Every teacher desires to make a difference. Opening the door for students to come in with barely a handful of words and helping them find success in speaking the English language is a remarkable achievement. By the end of the first year teaching English language learners, I realize that they hold the key to some of the greatest feelings of professional success in teaching.

--Jessica Essary, Student Representative