Sometimes teachers misinterpret students' struggles as being due to a learning disability. Before referring the student to the special education teacher to be tested, try to determine if it is a language learning issue. Try to have the student tested orally to see if the student has difficulties with pronunciation in their native language. If they have problems with pronunciation in their native language then they will have a difficult time being able to read in English. Also, just because you hear them talking to their classmates and friends in English does not mean they are full proficient. English language learners will learn to speak a social English before they can speak an academic English. There is a big difference. If the problem persists for a long period of time it may not be a language learning issue. American Speech-Language-Hearing Associationasha.org
Resources for teachers to help promote SLA literacy
The following websites have articles and information on the importance of literacy.
Lesson PlanThis is a lesson plan that I used this year with my first grade ESL studentsLessonPlan.docx
Children's Literature
The Complete Adventures of Curious GeorgeGeorge is a mischievous and curious monkey who is found in the jungle by the man in the yellow hat and brought to America. Because of his curiosity, George is constantly getting into trouble. This book, a must for any children's library, is a collection of all the previous Curious George books. Curious George will help children fall in love with reading.
Section for Teachers
Sometimes teachers misinterpret students' struggles as being due to a learning disability. Before referring the student to the special education teacher to be tested, try to determine if it is a language learning issue. Try to have the student tested orally to see if the student has difficulties with pronunciation in their native language. If they have problems with pronunciation in their native language then they will have a difficult time being able to read in English. Also, just because you hear them talking to their classmates and friends in English does not mean they are full proficient. English language learners will learn to speak a social English before they can speak an academic English. There is a big difference. If the problem persists for a long period of time it may not be a language learning issue.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Associationasha.org
Resources for teachers to help promote SLA literacy
The following websites have articles and information on the importance of literacy.
International Reading AssociationReading.org
Children's Literature
Important ArticleThe following link is an informative article from ESLMag.com about teaching reading in a second language.http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=mypagesuite&refresh=8c0B1Nt9Gi40&PBID=a8bcc17a-4d75-4dc0-8008-fad1028e6c29&skip=
James FullertonESL TeacherOak Grove Elementary Schooljfullerton1@k12tn.net