ESOL at SAS

Welcome to your child’s world!

I have no idea what she’s saying!

ESOL at SAS ESOL at SAS ElementaryElementaryESOL at SAS ESOL at SAS ElementaryElementary

What is ESOL?English for Speakers of Other Languages

Learning a language takes a lot longer than learning to

walk!

Language learning is developmental – children have to go through all the stages!

Language Acquisition

• Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills – day-to-day language needed for social interaction

• 6 months to 2 years

Language Acquisition

• Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency -includes listening, speaking, reading, and writing about subject area content material

• 5 to 7 years

An Iceberg

Only about 10 percent of its mass is above the surface of the water and is called “the tip of the iceberg.”

BICS is just the tip of the iceberg.

Our goal is to develop students who are both fluent (able to express their message) and accurate (express the message

using correct structure and syntax).

-Me hungry

-I hungry. I go to kitchen.

-I am hungry. I will go to kitchen.

-I am hungry so I will go to the kitchen to get food.

-Since I am hungry, I will go to the kitchen to get food.

SAS Learning Culture

At SAS…

• (a) learning takes place in English

• (b) teachers often give instructions verbally, not in writing

• (c) class participation is essential

• (d) teachers expect students to make eye contact, voice their opinions and ask questions when they don’t understand something

• (e) children often work together in groups

The NUMBER ONE key to student success in English…

Take risks! Be brave!

Make mistakes and learn by correcting your mistakes.

Small Group Discussion

My child tends to be shy and prefers to listen rather than speak.

What can you do to help this child in his or her English development?

Small Group Question

During vacation my child doesn’t practice English.

What can you do to help this child in his or her English development?

Small Group Question

My child does not want to read in his or her native language.

What can you do to help this child in his or her English development?

The SAS Elementary School Library

• How can the library help your child?

What can you do at home?• Set a reasonable bedtime.

• Quality over quantity. Process over product.

• Read, read, read and talk about the story. (in English AND in your native language).

• Bring English into your home: TV, DVDs, music, books, books on CD, games.

• Continue developing native language skills.

• Schedule English-language play dates and encourage diverse friendships.

• Have your children participate in sports activities coached in English such as Active Kidz Shanghai.

Reflection Questions

What did you hear that was helpful?

What new ideas do you now have?

Teşekkürler! Thank you!Xie xie! Gam sa hap ni da! 감사합니다 ! 谢谢！ Gracias!

Please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s ESOL Specialist if you have any questions!

• Susan Erni, Grade 1• Kathryn Dungan, Grade 2

• Becky Mott, Grade 3• Kevin Desmond, Grades 4 and 5