Newcomers

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Newcomers

• You have the whole world
• in your hands!

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Who is a newcomer

• Newcomer students are recent immigrants
• who have little or no English proficiency
• who may have had little or no formal education
  in their native countries

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Primary Goals

• Primary goals of a newcomer student
• develop English skills
• acculturate to US schools
• awareness of school/classroom
• expectations
• Their needs will be much different than the
  traditional ELL student who receives language
  support through pull- out services.

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WHERE DO I BEGIN?

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Before the student arrives

• Learn about the students culture.
  Culturegrams is
• a good resource to learn about the newcomers
• culture.
• Sensitize mainstream students to the
  newcomers challenges. Share some background
  information about the students native country.
  Have an adult speak or read to the class in the
  students native language. How did you feel?
• Help your newcomer develop pride in their native
  country. Display the flag and/or map of
  their native country.

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Creating A Welcoming Environment

• Learn to pronounce the students name
  correctly. Dont let your new student lose
  his/her name. Americanize a students name by
  parent request only.
• Find out who speaks the students native
  language in the building. This will be a big help
  at the beginning.
• Obtain a name and number of an interpreter who
  can help with family communication. CPS has a
  list of interpreters in almost every language.

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ASSIGN PEER BUDDIES

• A peer buddy can
• Help the student learn the classroom
• routine.
• Sit with them in the lunchroom.
• Include them in games at recess.
• Listen to taped books with them.
• Walk them to the ELL classroom.
• Play games with them in class.
• Alternate peer buddies throughout the day.
• Both will blossom. Buddies gain in self-esteem
  and the
• ELL student will feel welcome in your class.

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SET UP A LANGUAGE LISTENING CENTER

• This center can include
• a computer with headphones to use websites like
  Rosetta Stone and Starfall.
• a language card reader with headphones
• books that have a cd/tape to listen to and
  follow along
• Taped music in both English and native country,
  if possible.
• Use these activities for a short time each
  day. Dont overdo. Newcomers need to interact
  with their peers.

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EXPERT IN HIS LANGUAGE

• Encourage newcomers to share their language
  skills to their classmates.
• Label classroom objects. If the student can
  write in their native language, they can label
  some things in the classroom. If they are not
  literate in their native language, they will
  recognize the written form of their language and
  feel proud that it is displayed.
• Teach their classmates to pronounce their home
  language words on the labels. They can also teach
  basic vocabulary like the colors, greetings and
  counting.

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WRITING TIME

• If the student is literate, allow for he/she to
  write in their native language.
• Copy letters of the alphabet, their name, your
  name, classmates.
• Students can draw a picture of a story instead of
  write it.
• Students can sequence the pictures of a story
  instead of writing about it.
• Introduce vocabulary using photos/flash
  cards.(school, animals, food, etc.) Have the
  student repeat the word, point to the picture as
  you name it and then write a sentence This is
  a ___.

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READING

• If you have books available, allow students to
  read in their native language.
• Create a listening center in the class so that
  your students can read and listen at the same
  time.

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READING

• All students love to be read to. Read aloud time
  is a great time for newcomers to hear the English
  language. It improves listening skills, builds
  vocabulary and has a positive impact on a
  students attitude toward reading.

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READING

• Meet with the students individually to learn
  basic concepts like letters, colors, school
  vocabulary, etc.) Use picture books at first and
  then move on to books with patterns.

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TIPS TO REMEMBER

• Respect newcomers silent period. Dont force
  newcomers to speak before they are ready. During
  this time, students are acquiring language by
  listening and understanding English.
• Focus on the positive. Dont dwell on what they
  cant do yet. Create frequent opportunities for
  their success in class.

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• Most newcomers learn best with a hands on
  approach. Don't expect them to sit and listen for
  long periods of time when they dont understand.
  Use visuals, gestures as much as possible.
• Give simple directions. Break complex directions
  into simple steps.
• Where should newcomers sit? Sit the student near
  to the teacher or with their buddy.

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Give me a break!

• Provide frequent time outs from English periods.
  If possible, allow the newcomer some time during
  the day to converse with someone who speaks his
  native language. He or she may have some
  questions they need to ask.

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INSTEAD OF I DONT KNOW SAY

• May I ask a friend for help?
• Can I have some time to think?
• Can you come back to me?
• Post these responses for all students to use in
  the classroom.

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Words of Encouragement   What can I do? I
dont speak their language. I dont know their
culture? In our fear, you sometimes forget how
much you do know about teaching children.  
You already know the really important things you
need to know to work with a student who is
acquiring English, because you already know how
to teach. You know students learn best when they
feel cared for, safe, accepted and when the
material taught is presented at a level they can
understand.   When fear overwhelms both the
teacher and student, teachers cannot instruct and
students have difficulty learning. The connection
is made when you look into a students eyes and
hold out your hand and heart.   You do already
know the important things.
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The MOST important thing to remember!!

• SMILE!