Mod 11 Mid-Course Reflection and Self-Assessment

Language as a system of Learning: Language is such an important role when it comes to social interactions, cognitive development, and building relationships. If there is a delay in language, then there is a delay in learning. This said, language is much for than communicating,

Culture in Curriculum: to include culture within your curriculum is allowing for ALL students to learn. Not only will it allow and ELL to feel confident in what they are learning about and can contribute, but for native speaking students, it allows them to learn so much about different cultures other than their own and that can have a huge impact on their lives.

Cultural Sensitivity: As a teacher, we have to have sensitivity to all cultures the walk into our classroom. As humans, we have bias, but to know that these students are being taught in a way that suits all learners is something that is important to teachers.

Home language: What a student uses at home versus their classroom/social language is their academic language. Most likely at home, an ELL’s family is learning English as well, so being able to be a buffer to help with academic work is pretty low. Keeping that in mind when sending home work, letters, or information will come in handy as a teacher.

Linguistic Routines: Using linguistic routines in the classroom could help with language acquisition. Consistent routines such as an every day greeting, role play, read aloud, and classroom routines, is a good way to implement linguistic routines into everyday life of an ELL student.

Learning a second language across all content areas: By learning a second language, it could help a student academically as well as in their future, could become a  huge advantage for them in the job hunt.

Scaffolding: the process that provides temporary support to students who are learning new skills or content. With ELLs, scaffolding is crucial. It could bridge that gap between their native language/cultures and English language/cultures.

High Quality Childhood Literacy: High quality literacy practices begin at a young age. Students should be given plenty of opportunities to read, write, practice phonics, as well as dabble in their listening comprehension at a young age so they can build the road towards success when the get to grade school and beyond.

Structured Speaking and Listening: This can provide multiple and successful opportunities for for students to practice oral communication. The collaborative practices can enhance a student’s articulation of words, listening skills, critical thinking skills, and more.