Mesnier Primary: ELL

We peaked a look into a lot of the rooms at Mesnier like the art room, music room, and counselors office. Although we saw plenty quickly, we spent a bit more time in the ELL classroom, and man was I impressed. We must talk about the size of this classroom, the inclusion offered, and the push to truly help our English Language Learners.

Not a Storage Closet

Pat on the back for Affton. They created an ELL classroom that isn't a storage closet, or a mini classroom. Giving ALL students the same classroom size is important in making all of the students feel important. The size of this classroom truly had me shocked, which unfortunately is sad because it should be the norm for all ELL classes to be like this. This classroom impressed me the most, and has left such a strong impact on my teaching views.

Diversity and Inclusion

EVERY student was represented in this classroom. Flags hung up above our heads of the countries that the students are from. Imagine, you walk into an American classroom for the first time and you look up to see your flag, a piece of home, hanging right in your class. What a wonderful feeling, because when I looked up and saw Bosnia, I felt at home.

Students can sit down next to a character that they relate to or want to learn more about. What a great way to incorporate culture and diversity in all classrooms.

Each student can feel like they are a part of the classroom by adding a pin and sticky note to where they are from. Seeing all your friend be represented from all over the world can cause students to connect with each other, or even become curious and ask each other questions. This builds community in the classroom and collaboration with your peers.

Simple and To The Point

The ELL mission is to get students to explore and learn new words. They don't expect students to come in and be fluent by the end of the year, but progress is expected. Each student learns at a different pace, and this classroom allows for each student to learn in their own unique way.

Setting Goals

Again, theres the common theme of goal setting for each grade level. Although these are set for each grade level, English Language Learners have their own unique goals because they are all at a different level when they enter the classroom. The goals are worded in a simple way so that students will all achieve them, no matter what level of English fluency they are at.

Technology for English Language Learners

The ELL teacher said she absolutely loves having a board that she can use this reading website for. She says it is useful because there are categories and levels for all kinds of books. The website will read the website out loud on the classroom speakers so all students can hear the words being said on the page. If the students are just starting to speak English, the more simple books will have colors or one word nouns on each page with a coorolating picture. She says the students love picking books and listening to them being read to them.

Although the teacher and students love the board for reading, the ELL teachers offers so many books for students to read and look at. Seeing yourself represented in a book will encourage you to keep on learning! Having simple stories for students to read, or complex books with beautiful photos will help students engage in reading and picture recognition.

Students Shine

Giving students the chance to show off what they have learned boosts their self confidence, and pushes them to want to learn more. Students love being recognized for their work, and the ELL teacher did an amazing job at showing off how amazing the English Language Learner students are doing.

The ELL classroom truly impressed me. I love how each student was recognized in this classroom whether it was their flag, seeing themselves in books, sitting by their characters on the carpet, or pinning their name on the map. Making students a part of your curriculum is important as we spoke about in our class as well as our debriefing with Chris and Manuel. The experience at Affton will forever stay with me because of the amazing steps I saw them taking in the right direction.