Teacher Discussion Forums

It is a good idea to have all teachers trained on how to instruct ELLs. I have been in schools where teachers have turned up their faces when referring to the ELL students in their classrooms. It seems these teachers have no patience for these students. But perhaps if the teachers knew how to help t...

In two separate books that we are reading for class, it is demonstrated how schools have interpreted No Child Left Behind's focus on English Language Learners differently. One book mentions how schools perceive NCLB as being against Bilingual Education while the other mentions teachers who were exci...

We all bring differences to the table. But as a teacher, it is our job to celebrate the diversity in the classroom. Not only will it help the students to respect one another but, also, it may allow us - the teachers - to better understand why our students do what they do.

A section of Chapter 9 in Forbidden Language talked about language and its relationship to self-esteem. It was interesing to read that bilingualism was related to higher self-esteem. Would those students in EO classes begin to feel less about themselves because their L1 is never spoken or not allowed?

I, too, had the same question, especially after reading about studies that used students that experienced both EO and BE classes. I understand that adults may not think that students could offer useful input but we could be missing out on valuable information. In a situation like this - students who...

We are taught that one of the traits of an effective teacher is flexibility. However, restricting the use of a student's native language in class does not allow a teacher to adjust her lesson. If she can not use a student's L1, how can she help him "get it" when he is lost on a concept? Such a polic...

As I continue to read Forbidden Language , the need for a national policy regarding ELL becomes more and more evident. The authors in many of the chapters thus far explain how, when conducting their studies, they have had to account for the differences in policy from state to state. I wonder how dif...

I, too, would suggest patience. Pre-K can be intimidating for native English speakers so I can only imagine what it is like for ELL. Could you encourage the student to speak by responding only to the student's verbal requests? For example, use of the bathroom is granted after a student says, "Ms./Mr...

After reading Chapter Two in Forbidden Language (Patricia Gandara and Megan Hopkins), it was disheartening to have it confirmed that language policy, for example Arizona's Proposition 203 and California's Proposition 227, largely stems from anti-immigrant feelings. Despite claims of cost for languag...

I have witnessed young ELLs being teased by English-speaking classmates so I understand why there are some ELLs who pretend not to know their L1. But perhaps teachers could encourage these students to embrace their native tonuge/culture by reminding them that there is ignorance in the world; however...

I think preserving the L1 is a responsibility to be shared by the family and teacher (school). However, the weight of this task lies on the family - the family should continue to maintain its L1. The teacher could support this endeavor by reminding students (in words and activities) how important on...

In chapter three of Forbidden Language , California's Proposition 227 is analyzed to determine if an EO classroom is beneficial or harmful but the authors' were unable to reach a conclusive answer. It is pointed out that in the study, there are students who attended BE classes before Prop 227 was pa...