Scenario Response 3

I'm assuming that even the two both come as English learners, they apparently have come from households with different attitudes about education. Whereas one student has learned to be a student, studying and learning in his/her own language and perhaps has had some English instruction in own country. The other student comes from a background of fighting and unrest not knowing what each day will bring.

I would first welcome both students and introduce them to the class with love and understanding. I would do research into their culture and try to use the information to make them feel more confortable and to include into instruction helping build a bond between the class and them. I would pare them us with another student in class if available that has some background in a language other than English so that they feel that they have help with translation.  I would emphasize phonics and extensive use of the word wall and sight words.

I would make sure to consult with the translators and ESOL staff at the school and be sure to get some support for both of these students.