Teaching Them All

    As a new student entered a second grade classroom, a beginning English Language Learner ran up to his teacher, Mrs. Barnes. “I know what to say. I am going to say, ‘Hi, my name is Yair. What is your name?’” Mrs. Barnes is thankful Jones Elementary has a program that focuses on language development instruction.  “Students are feeling more empowered in the classroom setting. They are taking chances, raising their hands, and engaging in conversations more than I have seen before.  Previously, I would get blank stares,” Mrs. Barnes stated. 

     Systematic English Language Development (ELD) is a systematic program with targeted instruction centered around language learning for our English Language Learners in grades Kindergarten through five. The program is designed to engage students in academic and real life situations with an emphasis on oral and written language in relevant settings. Students have opportunities to interact with others on the same language level each day in a language rich environment.

     The goal is for students to use the language skills learned through ELD instruction in the regular classroom.  Teachers are beginning to see the skills transfer in an academic environment. “I have seen social skills improve as well as the confidence with my lower level English Language learners. My students are beginning to transfer what they are learning into their writing,” said third grade teacher, Amber Stout. Ashley Kasnicka is a fifth grade teacher that has taught for 10 years. She has a student that is new to the United States and can correctly write short sentences quicker than any other newcomer she has had before. Ms. Kasnicka says it usually takes longer for students to get comfortable with writing but having a systematic program has helped. “Focused Instruction on language development is what we have always needed for our beginning learners. It gives them a chance to be successful,” added Ms. Kasnicka.