On Tuesday I went to a fabulous 1/2 day training presented by Yvonne and David Freeman on academic language. I teach almost-exclusively students that speak a language other than English {and next year will have a 100% ESOL class}, so I’m very much immersed in strategies and thinking about teaching through that context. At the training there was a HUGE piece of food for thought that I really think applies to more than just students that come from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Why don’t we make sure our terminology and “labels” highlight what students have rather than what they lack? We do that when we use person-first language, i.e. “student with autism” rather than “autistic student” — but we don’t do it with students from a diverse linguistic background. Instead we frame it as they lack English.
Discussed was the idea that any student that speaks one language and is in process of learning another should be called an “emerging bilingual.” I love this as it places value on what they come with, rather than what they lack (English). This is especially important in settings where two languages are used, because it truly reflects what’s happening! English-speakers are learning another language, speakers of another language are learning English — both are emerging as bilingual students.
Zoe says
August 8, 2014 at 9:14 amI'm exactly the same Sarah! I bought Krista's dinosaur set and just knew they'd make awesome resources. Am heading to TPT to pick up your 'Place Value Rawr' right now 😀
Zoe
Oh the Little Wonders
Jonathan Pearson says
August 8, 2014 at 11:25 amI had to take my son to the dentist this week. While we were waiting for the novacaine (or whatever) to kick in and for the dentist to come back, he bit a huge chunk out of his lip because he couldn't feel any pain. Now his lip and face are all swollen. I feel so bad for him.
Have a great day!
Jonathan (Mr. Pearson Teaches 3rd Grade)
Kelly Hall says
August 8, 2014 at 11:42 amGlad that your little guy felt comfortable at his screening. Good luck with his transition into school!
JanCT says
August 8, 2014 at 12:48 pmYour little guy is a cutie. I'm so glad he had a great experience when he visited school. My daughter starts first this year. I teach 3rd, but I think I might need to get your new game to play with my girl! It's so cute. Have a great year! I'm going to be in my classroom a lot next week. Hopefully I can avoid paper cuts! 🙂
Jan
Laughter and Consistency
Lori Sanford says
August 8, 2014 at 1:22 pmI LOVE the place value RWAR! SOOOOOOOOOO cute!!!!! I just wish I could get it to fly with 6th graders! 🙂 It's just my kind of humor! 🙂
Lori
Mixing it up in Middle
Beth says
August 9, 2014 at 12:51 amLOVE the game you made!!!! Dinosaurs are the best. My favorite dinosaur is currently (yes, it changes!!) the parasaurolophus. It's that dinosaur with the curved head thingy on top (so scientific, I know!). At any rate, this curved thing was really a gigantic nasal tube that stretched across its head and it made a sound like a foghorn that could warn other dinosaurs. Also, it is a vegetarian, and I tend to like the vegetarian dinos the best. They just seem sweet to me. (That's probably weird, right?!) I love how your kiddo really flipped a switch and was acting so grown up when he met his teacher. So cute. I have never watched TGOT, but I really want to see it! I watch everything on Netflix, and it hasn't ever made it there yet. I am WAAY behind on tv shows, too!!
Beth
Adventures of a Schoolmarm
Karen Hester says
August 9, 2014 at 4:37 amThe dinosaurs are so cute! You should check out my freebie Dino-Grams (http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Tangram-Puzzles-Dino-Grams-744558). Great Blog!
karen
Smarticle Particles
I Love Common Core says
August 9, 2014 at 5:39 amPlace value is so tough for a lot of my special needs students to grasp. Any way to make it engaging is a plus in my book! Love your points about labels for students. As a special ed teacher I know how important it is and I cringe inside anytime someone says someone is autistic. Words are powerful and changing them up even just a little bit can have a huge impact on the students.
Carol Davis says
August 9, 2014 at 2:46 pmHi Sarah! I love that your little guy is so excited! As for the dentist….my dentist is the sweetest man. Unfortunately I grew up in an era where taking care of teeth was not a priority and therefore I have tons of teeth troubles now. My dentist is so patient with me and tries to make it less anxious, but I have had so many drills, root canals, crowns, and fillings, I HATE going in. Have a great beginning of school!
Carol
Teachers Are Terrific!
Firstie Favorites says
August 10, 2014 at 12:13 amLove your blog! I teach first grade and one of my good friends is a second grade teacher… she is always looking for other second grade blogs to follow… I'm sending your link her way!
Nicole
Firstie Favorites