Welcome to a new school year!
I'm so excited to continue working with my wonderful students from last year and to meet all our new Kindergarten Bobcats!
What do we do in English As a Second Language (ESL) classes?
The short answer is "Anything which supports students' English learning and literacy!" Together we work to help students develop reading, writing, listening and speaking fluency in their new language through highly individualized one-on-one and small-group instruction.
We also work closely with classroom teachers to "scaffold" instruction, which means that we provide tools, resources and classroom accommodations to support English fluency. As students gain language proficiency, we continue to monitor their progress, even after they have exited ESL.
Please note: Interpreters are available for all conferences and meetings.
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Resources for Families:
http://www.colorincolorado.org/families/
http://www.latinamericancoalition.org/
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Free English classes for Parents:
Parents, if you would like to improve your own English skills, public libraries and local churches offer free ESL classes for adults, which usually meet in the late afternoon or on weekends. You can learn more about adult ESL classes here: cmlibary.org_
Another great way to learn more English free and at your own pace is at http://www.usalearns.com or with the free iPad/iPhone app Duolingo.
How Can I Help My Child Learn?
As parents, we all want to know "What can I do to support my child's education?"
Fortunately, there are many things you can do, such as:
* Be involved with your child's school. Bain is always looking for volunteers - everyone has something to offer!
* Ask our children specific questions about what he or she is learning and communicate with teachers on a regular basis. Attend conferences and send e-mail. We love to talk about what your child can do!
* Charlotte-Mecklenburg public libraries have dozens of fun and free learning supports such as tutoring, online homework help, opportunities for kids to read to a trained service dog, book clubs, summer reading programs and much more!
* Set a good example by making reading a priority in our homes. Minimize screen time and maximize reading time.
* Keep TVs, computers and video game consoles in common areas of your home. A recent study reported that 72% of children have access to at least one electronic device in their bedroom which may interfere with the quantity and quality of their sleep. The Sleep Foundation recommends that children ages 5-10 get 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night!
The Evolving Role of Technology
Technology also offers a variety of incredible tools which allow us to engage our students in 21st-century learning, and to connect them with peers around the world. As one example, students in grades 3-5 particularly enjoy analyzing and responding to articles on the Newsela.com website, which offers kid-friendly news stories at each student's reading level. Students may debate the pros and cons of a particular issue, exercising critical thinking skills and organizing their thoughts to craft clear, well-supported written arguments.
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Bain Elementary mission statement:
"To challenge and prepare all students for future success."
I'm so excited to continue working with my wonderful students from last year and to meet all our new Kindergarten Bobcats!
What do we do in English As a Second Language (ESL) classes?
The short answer is "Anything which supports students' English learning and literacy!" Together we work to help students develop reading, writing, listening and speaking fluency in their new language through highly individualized one-on-one and small-group instruction.
We also work closely with classroom teachers to "scaffold" instruction, which means that we provide tools, resources and classroom accommodations to support English fluency. As students gain language proficiency, we continue to monitor their progress, even after they have exited ESL.
Please note: Interpreters are available for all conferences and meetings.
***************************
Resources for Families:
http://www.colorincolorado.org/families/
http://www.latinamericancoalition.org/
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Free English classes for Parents:
Parents, if you would like to improve your own English skills, public libraries and local churches offer free ESL classes for adults, which usually meet in the late afternoon or on weekends. You can learn more about adult ESL classes here: cmlibary.org_
Another great way to learn more English free and at your own pace is at http://www.usalearns.com or with the free iPad/iPhone app Duolingo.
How Can I Help My Child Learn?
As parents, we all want to know "What can I do to support my child's education?"
Fortunately, there are many things you can do, such as:
* Be involved with your child's school. Bain is always looking for volunteers - everyone has something to offer!
* Ask our children specific questions about what he or she is learning and communicate with teachers on a regular basis. Attend conferences and send e-mail. We love to talk about what your child can do!
* Charlotte-Mecklenburg public libraries have dozens of fun and free learning supports such as tutoring, online homework help, opportunities for kids to read to a trained service dog, book clubs, summer reading programs and much more!
* Set a good example by making reading a priority in our homes. Minimize screen time and maximize reading time.
* Keep TVs, computers and video game consoles in common areas of your home. A recent study reported that 72% of children have access to at least one electronic device in their bedroom which may interfere with the quantity and quality of their sleep. The Sleep Foundation recommends that children ages 5-10 get 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night!
The Evolving Role of Technology
Technology also offers a variety of incredible tools which allow us to engage our students in 21st-century learning, and to connect them with peers around the world. As one example, students in grades 3-5 particularly enjoy analyzing and responding to articles on the Newsela.com website, which offers kid-friendly news stories at each student's reading level. Students may debate the pros and cons of a particular issue, exercising critical thinking skills and organizing their thoughts to craft clear, well-supported written arguments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bain Elementary mission statement:
"To challenge and prepare all students for future success."