Newcomers
You have the whole world
in your hands!
Who is a newcomer:
Newcomer students are recent immigrants:
*who have little or no English proficiency
*who may have had little or no formal
education in their native countries
Primary Goals
Primary goals of a newcomer student:
*develop English skills
*acculturate to US schools
*awareness of school/classroom
expectations
Their needs will be much different than
the traditional ELL student who
receives language support through
pull- out services.
WHERE DO I
BEGIN?
Before the student arrives:
*Learn about the student’s culture. Culturegrams is
a good resource to learn about the newcomer’s
culture.
* Sensitize mainstream students to the newcomer’s
challenges. Share some background information about
the student’s native country. Have an adult speak or
read to the class in the student’s native language. How
did you feel?
*Help your newcomer develop pride in their native
country. Display the flag and/or map of their native
country.
Creating A Welcoming
Environment
*Learn to pronounce the student’s name
correctly. Don’t let your new student lose
his/her name. Americanize a student’s name by
parent request only.
*Find out who speaks the student’s native
language in the building. This will be a big help
at the beginning.
*Obtain a name and number of an interpreter
who can help with family communication.
CPS has a list of interpreters in almost every
language.
ASSIGN PEER BUDDIES
A peer buddy can:
*Help the student learn the classroom
routine.
*Sit with them in the lunchroom.
*Include them in games at recess.
*Listen to taped books with them.
*Walk them to the ELL classroom.
*Play games with them in class.
*Alternate peer buddies throughout the day.
Both will blossom. Buddies gain in self-esteem and the
ELL student will feel welcome in your class.
SET UP A LANGUAGE
LISTENING CENTER
This center can include:
*a computer with headphones to use websites like: Rosetta
Stone and Starfall.
*a language card reader with headphones
*books that have a cd/tape to listen to and follow along
• Taped music in both English and native country, if
possible.
•
Use these activities for a short time each day. Don’t
overdo. Newcomers need to interact with their peers.
EXPERT IN HIS LANGUAGE
Encourage newcomers to share their language skills to
their classmates.
*Label classroom objects. If the student can write in their
native language, they can label some things in the
classroom. If they are not literate in their native
language, they will recognize the written form of their
language and feel proud that it is displayed.
*Teach their classmates to pronounce their home language
words on the labels. They can also teach basic
vocabulary like the colors, greetings and counting.
WRITING TIME
• If the student is literate, allow for he/she to write in their
native language.
• Copy letters of the alphabet, their name, your name,
classmates.
• Students can draw a picture of a story instead of write it.
• Students can sequence the pictures of a story instead of
writing about it.
*Introduce vocabulary using photos/flash cards.(school,
animals, food, etc.) Have the student repeat the word,
point to the picture as you name it and then write a
sentence – “This is a ___.”
READING
• If you have books available, allow students
to read in their native language.
• Create a listening center in the class so
that your students can read and listen at
the same time.
READING
• All students love to be read to. Read aloud
time is a great time for newcomers to hear
the English language. It improves listening
skills, builds vocabulary and has a
positive impact on a student’s attitude
toward reading.
READING
• Meet with the students individually to
learn basic concepts like letters, colors,
school vocabulary, etc.) Use picture books
at first and then move on to books with
patterns.
TIPS TO REMEMBER
Respect newcomer’s silent period. Don’t
force newcomers to speak before they are
ready. During this time, students are
acquiring language by listening and
understanding English.
Focus on the positive. Don’t dwell on what
they can’t do yet. Create frequent
opportunities for their success in class.
• Most newcomers learn best with a “hands
on” approach. Don't expect them to sit and
listen for long periods of time when they don’t
understand. Use visuals, gestures as much as
possible.
• Give simple directions. Break complex
directions into simple steps.
• Where should newcomers sit? Sit the student
near to the teacher or with their buddy.
Give me a break!
• Provide frequent time outs from
English periods. If possible, allow the
newcomer some time during the day to
converse with someone who speaks his
native language. He or she may have
some questions they need to ask.
INSTEAD OF I DON’T KNOW SAY:
• May I ask a friend for help?
• Can I have some time to think?
• Can you come back to me?
• Post these responses for all students
to use in the classroom.
Words of Encouragement
“What can I do? I don’t speak their language. I don’t know
their culture?” In our fear, you sometimes forget how much you
do know about teaching children.
You already know the really important things you need to
know to work with a student who is acquiring English, because
you already know how to teach. You know students learn best
when they feel cared for, safe, accepted and when the material
taught is presented at a level they can understand.
When fear overwhelms both the teacher and student,
teachers cannot instruct and students have difficulty learning.
The connection is made when you look into a student’s eyes
and hold out your hand and heart.
You do already know the important things.
The MOST important thing to
remember!!
• SMILE!