The most frequently asked question thus far:

I do not Speak Spanish. How can I make sure my students who don’t speak English are not completely lost?

Communicating with newcomers can be overwhelming for you and for the student. Here are a few suggestions.

1) TECHNOLOGY - included below are video instructions for translation and reading technology that is already embedded in the tech you are using. Hopefully some of these will be of help to you. Don’t forget to show your students how to use the features, too!

In some cases, you will find that translation is not useful because the student may not be fluent in reading or writing in their native language, or they may not be on the same level content wise as other students. In that case...

2) Play charades. Act it out. Smile. Don’t fear being extra! ha!

3) VISUALS - Use vocabulary visuals with pictures, charts, and graphics. Also consider using icons in your Slides. Instead of instructing students to go to Google Classroom, just insert the icon! (Click below for an example of a Slide.)

4) Use a signal. We strive to make our lessons more interesting/engaging by using anecdotes, humor, or examples to enhance what we present to students. However, all the "spice" in your recipe might be confusing to newcomers. It might be helpful to use a signal of importance. You could use a light, a (pleasant sounding, please!) buzzer, some kind of hand signal, point to a sign that says IMPORTANTE! — You decide what signal might work best in your classroom with your students. Use that to highlight the information that is the real "meat" of your recipe so students know when they need to pay attention and when they can take a breather.

5) Don’t let them lurk! Move them up front. EL students need to be as close to you as possible both to decrease distractions, and to be able to read meaning in your face and watch your mouth as you speak. (Hint: when communicating with a student with little to no English or an accent that makes understanding difficult, watch their mouths as they speak. You will be surprised how helpful this is!)

6) In certain situations, it may be useful to have other students translate messages or conversations. However, if translating is distracting or preventing the translator from doing his or her own work, it might be best not to let them translate. Also consider that their translations may not be 100% accurate unless the translator is an advanced speaker. Even native speakers of a language might not be able to translate content because they might not fully understand it themselves. Use your own discretion.

7) For newcomers, all of their senses are being assaulted daily. Talk about overload! Relax. They will feel more at ease if you show that you are not frustrated, and you have things well in hand. At first, they will be a bit lost, and that is okay. They are so happy to be here and want to learn. They will catch on. Be as supportive as possible to help them feel safe and comfortable.

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