The Importance Of Teaching A Second Language

¨The receptionist asked me in Spanish, ’Are you here for the English class?’... ‘I’m sorry. Our new session starts today, so I just assumed that’s why you were here.’ I was about to say no, but I stopped myself. Maybe it was luck that brought me here, or maybe it was providence... Maybe I would even learn enough to be able to help Maribel with her homework¨ (Henríquez 58). Alma does not know how to speak English when she comes to America. She is willing to learn and her sole motive is to make Maribel do well on her homework. Language is a huge part of life since it is a major way to communicate with other people. If she knew how to speak English, she would be capable to talk to Maribel’s teacher and discuss her advance and problems. Thence, they can get a better plan of education for

The all too familiar situation of English language learners (ELLs) struggling in a classroom that is not meeting their needs is the theme of this short film. ELL’s present unique challenges for teachers given how the California educational system calls for only one year of English language development (EDL). After this time, English language development goals rest on the shoulders of the general education teacher with the additional requirement of infusing SADIE strategies into their daily lessons.

Linda had an easier time learning English than her parents did because of help she received at school. Upon enrolling in public school in the third grade, Linda was immediately sent to ESL class where she quickly picked up on the new language. Her parents, on the other hand, had a more difficult time adapting to American culture and the English language. Linda’s parents started out working low-wage jobs and eventually, through hard work and dedication, saved enough money to open their own travel-agency business. Linda’s father even had to enroll in language school in addition to his undergraduate education in order to increase his chances of

In a country like America where people all over the world come to obtain a better future for themselves and their children, there is a large diversity in culture and languages. Most immigrant families come to America speaking a different language and have to adapt to the American language, English. However, several people do not learn English or have difficulty learning it. Usually older people struggle to learn English because they do not have time. Though, children may not have a hard time learning the English language because they are often sent to school. Currently children are now expected to learn a new foreign language, but most of the children’s families would like them to continue speaking their native language as well.

The language and cultural barrier between Mrs. Stewart and Anna would be a difficult obstacle but one that could be overcome with modifications and adaptations. Although Mrs. Stewart has many years of experience, this would be her first time having ELL student. This will require for her to learn about Anna’s diverse background, her culture and linguistic experiences, since research has proven that“just good teaching” is not enough.

In Esperanza’s case study we were able to see a snip of what is like to be an ELL student in a School. Also, we were able to see some challenges that seasonal “farm workers children” students have to face when they are in school. Seasonal students are transfer from school to school as their parents move to different parts of the United States for work reasons. In the majority of the cases this students transfer school 2-3 times in one school year and they lack English language proficiency. The main reason for this is because many parents do not speak English themselves and the only language children hear at home is their native language. In Esperanza’s case we can see that she has been moving from schools for at least four times and she is only in first grade, she also cannot speak English because she hasn’t been expose to the language outside school. Lastly you can see that her parents are really busy at work that her sister has to take charge of many things at home including enrolling her in school.

We also believe that as our society assumes an increasingly global focus, becoming proficient in at least one foreign language is important. To attain as many foreign language skills as possible during her high school years, Kaitlyn studied Spanish concurrently for four years at Aim Academy and augmented her Spanish courses with independent study, using a variety of print and online resources. In addition to her high school Spanish language studies, she has also demonstrated great personal initiative by engaging in further independent study of other foreign

After five years in the USA, Elva Margarita Corbatón became a Literacy Connections ESL student. Elva came to us with a bachelors in administration, but very little command of the English language. She was an eager student, reliable and diligent. Her tutor, Bob Lewis pronounced her an excellent, hard-working student. After several years, Elva desired to give back to the agency and started volunteering in the office, shelving books in our library, helping with the Spelling Bee and doing general office work.

Lucero de “Belén" Juarez Duran is a 16 year old student attending IMAC language school in Guadalajara, Mexico. She is interested in learning English in order to pass the TOEFL and to assist her later on in securing a high paying job. To meet this goal she feels all aspects of English are important . Currently she has several concerns.

Nuñez starts off with the 1st one being difficulty speaking and learning English. She explains how you can address this by taking ESL classes but many find it difficult finding time in between work or caring for their children. Not only are there the obstacles of work or caring for your kids but also many will struggle even more if they weren’t fluent in their native tongue to begin with.

While living in the Dominican Republic, I studied English every Saturday in an institute. Since I only got to exercise and strengthen my English skills once a week and had no one else to practice with, I didn’t excel in the language until I arrived to the United States. As a result, when I started school in the United States, despite being in ELL classes, I struggled academically and socially. I became frustrated since I wasn’t excelling in school as I had done previously, and I felt lonely because I had a limited group of friends. The language barrier, I concluded, was holding me back. This realization made me determined to find ways in which I could enhance my skills in this new language.

Estela parent’s played a huge role in her educational outcome. Her parents believed that having an education will open bigger and better opportunities for a job. Even though her parents didn’t know why they wanted her to get an education, they instilled the idea in her head. Language caused a problem when she first started school because all she knew was Spanish and everything we teach here is in English. After a while, she was able to understand it with the help of her teachers and bilingual classes. Throughout her whole education career, she has kept her culture and language active. She went traveled to Spain to learn more about her culture.

The following Global assessment is for Mrs. Elizabeth Flores and includes a Learner Profile (Appendix). Emigrating from Puebla, Mexico 14 years ago, Mrs. Flores is married with two children. According to Elizabeth, learning English is essential to improving her ability to communicate with, government agencies, medical professionals, and support her children in learning. Regrettably, she has limited opportunities to use English outside of the classroom, living in a Spanish-speaking insulated ethnic community.

She has to learn a new language in order to communicate with the other students. Learning a new language is not easy. It can be time consuming and difficult. She would watch reruns of “Three’s Company” to learn the English language. She would also use the dictionary to look up the meaning of words.

People in the United States should learn how to understand and speak a foreign language because it can limit the barriers between different people. Each day we come across various people, which is why we ling in a “melting pot,” a diverse nation with different ethnic groups immigrating or traveling. Since the United States is a part of a global economy, the relationship we have with other countries will improve.