Language: it is something all humans
have in common. It is something that allows humans to effectively communicate
with one another, understand different cultures, and build relationships. Language
is something that should be shared, respected, and celebrated. People of all
ethnicities want to be heard and respected. This does not change when it comes
to the classroom. As stated in Wayne Wright’s English Language Learners,
“Teachers need to know their students’ cultural backgrounds and how culture
influences learning at school” (pg. 18). Therefore, I believe it is
critical that all my future students feel cared for, safe, respected,
important, and heard no matter what language they speak and culture they come
from. I will do this by creating an environment that emphasizes what makes my
students unique and meets their needs. According to Wright, “Effective
communication with linguistically and culturally diverse students includes
recognizing, valuing, and drawing on their home languages as resources in
teaching and learning” (pg. 31).
As stated in my video blog, I went
to Costa Rica in 2019. The culture, beauty, and language I witnessed is
something I will never forget. During my adventure in Costa Rica, I had a chance to see a small
glimpse of what learning a new language feels like. From attempting to
understand our vehicle drivers to ordering food at different restaurants,
understanding the Spanish language was by far not an easy task. I quickly became
overwhelmed and somewhat stressed because I wanted to communicate with them
better. Throughout the trip, I caught on to a few different words and phrases and
remembered some from my high school Spanish class as well.
Overall, this trip gave me a new perspective
on English learners because I was able to personally witness what it felt like
to try to learn a different language. I only skimmed the surface when it came
to learning the Spanish language, but English Language Learners are learning
English in its entirety. With this comes stress, overwhelmingness, joy,
confusion, and many more different emotions. As a teacher, I do not want any English Language Learners to feel they are replacing their home language or culture, just
adapting and learning. Like Wright’s book, Foundations for Teaching English
Language Learners, I agree that “… immigrants and their children can adapt
to the new language and culture without having to sacrifice their own” (pg. 21).
I believe it is our job to create a
place where these children that are learning another language can thrive.
People of all languages deserve high quality education and respect, especially
our students.
References
Wright, W. E. (2019). Foundations for teaching English language learners: Research, theory, policy,and Practice. Caslon.
Hi, Lauren!
ReplyDeleteI loved how you stated that language is something that should be shared, respected, and celebrated and that all students, despite their language background, should feel cared for and respected. This belief directly aligns with my teaching philosophy and like you, I definitely aim to create a classroom that welcomes all students of all backgrounds with open arms and has a learning environment that advocates for their success in learning, despite the existence of not having a common language with the majority of the class. I believe as student teachers still in college taking education classes, it is highly important that we learn as much as we can on how to advocate, accommodate, and help EL learners close the achievement gap and perform to grade-level (and possibly beyond level) standards. Awesome post!
Hello Mary!
DeleteThank you for your kind comment.
Creating a classroom that welcomes all students with open arms is so important! Students should feel that their culture, language, and background is important, respected, and special. It is critical that educators avoid stereotyping or judging students, rather celebrate what makes them unique (Wayne Wright, 2019, pg.19). Educators should also make an effort to fully understand where their students come from and what needs/accommodations/modifications they need to learn.
I love how you mentioned that we need to learn “how to advocate, accommodate, and help EL learners close the achievement gap and perform to grade-level standards.” Providing high quality instruction amongst all students is a vital part of providing a great education. School work should be equitable and challenging for all students. Providing a lower level of education because it may be easier is not doing students justice in the long run. This is creating the gap that students often-times fall behind with. Tangible, hands-on, high-quality education is critical and will benefit students more.
Thanks again!
Hi Lauren!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading about your perspective on language. I agree that language is something we all have in common, so we as humans should respect, share, and celebrate it. We share the same beliefs about how we view a classroom setting. I agree that all students should feel safe, valued, and respected inside their classroom. I created my teaching philosophy based on that. Wright stated that effective communication with linguistically and culturally diverse students includes recognizing, valuing, and drawing on their home languages as resources in teaching and learning (pg.31). I like your plan on how you will emphasize what makes your students unique while meeting their individual needs. Your students will feel safe, respected, and cared for inside your classroom.
Great post and ideas!
Hello Davereon,
DeleteThank you for your comment!
When students do not feel safe, valued, and respected in the classroom, they will not be able to learn. As educators, we need to work our hardest to create a positive environment that our students will be able to thrive in and have their needs met. All students should feel comfortable to talk and share their needs with the teacher. I love how you included the statement from Wright about communication with linguistic and culturally diverse students. Communication between families, students, coworkers, principals, and admin is critical for the success of our children.
When I move into my own classroom, creating a nurturing and positive environment for students will be a huge goal for me. I want to be an advocate, mentor, and teacher to all of my students. As educators, we are constantly learning. We have to make sure we carry a learning attitude instead of an I know everything attitude. Like stated in Wright, “Knowledge of language is relevant to the many roles teachers play as communicators, educators, evaluators, educated human beings, and agents of socialization” (2019, pg.47). Teachers learn so much from their students as well.