Prior Knowledge is Important
Something that continues to confuse and/or amaze teachers of Language Learners is how one student can excel in a seemingly short amount of time while another continues to struggle after many years. A key contributor to unlocking this puzzle is how much prior knowledge the student arrives with. Background knowledge and level of education in the first language can make all the difference.
When I first began learning English at the age of 7 in my Brooklyn classroom, I had the advantage of having gone to school in Montreal Canada since Kindergarten. By that time, I had learned that I was good at math, I could read in French, and had developed a love for drawing. The task of learning a new language became one of making connections and mentally translating the academic content. Within a few years, I was speaking the language and beginning to excel in my grades. Teachers were amazed and thought that this was a tremendous accomplishment but I know now, as an Educator, that this was due to the knowledge and skills I had acquired in Kindergarten and 1st grade. Many of our Language Learners come from countries where they didn’t have the benefit of acquiring this all-important background knowledge. This was one of the challenges often seen by the classroom teachers I assisted as an Instructional Coach.
The Importance of Team
When students are able to participate in group activities that help create and develop peer relationships, they are given a much greater chance for success.
I can’t tell you how many of my former students, who I witnessed struggle while learning English, would begin to flourish once they joined teams and clubs such as student government, cultural club, soccer, track, or football.
Something about being on a team provides the extra support that cannot be duplicated in the classroom.
By the time I arrived at Abraham Lincoln High School in Coney Island Brooklyn NY, I had become adept at academics. I clung on to academic achievement because this was the area in which I found success. The best decision I made was to join the Track Team. It was then that I began to develop a love for exercise and this completely transformed my High School experience. I was now part of a team and I can’t tell you what this did for my confidence and my willingness to participate in other clubs.
It’s OK to Need and Accept Help
When students come into our classrooms with language and/or academic challenges, it’s ok to pair them with other students who might be able to help.
Life is about navigating challenges and overcoming obstacles that may present themselves. This often cannot be done alone. Children should be taught that needing help isn’t a sign of weakness.
The key is to accept the help thankfully and turn it into an outcome that will honor the one who gives the help.
Throughout my life, I remember many instances where help was given by teachers and other adults. Without the guidance and help of my High School teachers, I may have never been accepted to Cornell University’s Animal Science Program as a Senior. Without the help of many upper classmen who helped tutor me in organic chemistry, microbiology, and calculus I might have given up once in college and been in a very different place. In life, I’ve learned to accept help, when it’s offered and use that help to reach the next level.
Discovering Your Passion
This is one of my favorite lessons. If you’re able to find your passion in life and make a living out of it, you will be a blessed individual. Children must be encouraged to explore and discover those things that spark their interest.
It’s true that education is about learning, but it is also about developing a love of learning. Whether this occurs through academics, physical education, art, or music, it must be encouraged.
From the time I was in college, I knew that my passion was helping others. As a group of dear friends and I tackled “Ending Hunger” in the world or spending a year in Ghana, West Africa as an adult, I knew that my passion was helping others. I was incredibly blessed that I could translate that passion into a 28-year career as a bilingual educator and bilingual-esl instructional coach. And now, even in retirement, I can help others through consulting and professional development.
The Power of Relationships
Relationships are key. As I reflect on the success throughout my career, it’s obvious to me that developing relationships has been the primary ingredient. Relationships with students, team members, and administrators have played and will no doubt continue to play a key role going forward. I continue to look forward to new relationships as I cherish and solidify old ones.
