ELL in the Classroom

      This chapter was definitely differently styled than the rest of the book so far. Danling, Cindy, and Carol's explanation of what is needed in the classroom to promote more understanding for ELL students. in figure 8-4 it discusses different ways to "cultivate cultural harmony" which I found would be easy enough activities to include in the classroom setting. My personal favorites were to ask the ELL students to share literature that they read in their native language. This could also be modified to their favorite book, a popular book, or a historically significant piece. Another was letting all students talk about family stories about culture and tradition. This way it includes everyone, and ELL students can see that they are not alone in different cultural roots, creating an opening environment for all students. The survey given by the teacher to students concerning ways that can help the student made my heart break a little bit. Students are obviously trying to hard to adjust to a new language, situation, and perhaps even life. Patience is key, while being supportive of the transition while at the same time providing the tools and skills necessary to helps the ELL students learn to excel.