Response to Kerrie Richardson

Response to Kerrie Richardson Chapter 5

Kerrie Richardson talks about how teachers in a mainstream classroom need to think outside of the box. She shares great ideas about teaching EL students. I like your example of having students who speak the same language work in groups. I teach at a school where the primary language is Spanish and it's very difficult when you don't speak Spanish. I am always looking for others to translate for me with my student’s parents. So it would very hard for me to how my students speak Spanish in my classroom.

Response to Kerrie Richardson Chapter 3

 I think it is great that you get to see so much growth in your preschool class. It is a advantage for children to learn English early in their education. I work with severe special education elementary students. My students are non-verbal and are English language learners. It is interesting to learn that so many teaching methods that work for EL students also work for special education students. I would like to learn more on how to teach EL non-verbal students.

Response to Kerrie Richardson Chapter 2

 I love the example you give about giving every student the opportunity to have a chance to participate. I have been in many classrooms where only the same three students participate in a class discussion.
Also, I agree how hard it must be for English learners to have to speak English for social class advantage. It is hard enough to work towards a great education and a good job in our society. I think it's so important that teachers understand how challenging it can be to learn a second language