Teacher Discussion Forums

First, I know nothing about teaching esl. I have two ukrainian boys coming to my grade 4 classroom tomorrow morning. They can say 'hello' and 'thankyou' in English but do not know any other English. I will have an older lady from the community who can speak Ukrainian volunteering in the morning but then I am on my own.
I know that in a few weeks they will start to fit right in but the first day is what I am worrying about.
I have been searching for websites that deal with this but most are about esl classrooms or teaching english in foriegn countries. I need to continue my regular program with the rest of my students and help these boys at the same time.
ANY hints or ideas would be appresicated.
Thanks
Kenton Letkeman

Hi Kenton,

I'm not sure if this message is a little too late, but I suggest that you find one or two other students in your class or in the school who speaks the same language as your new ESL student. Ask these "buddies" to help the new student not only with class work, but also with the school routines.

Other than language activities, it would probably be best to give the new student the same work as the rest of the class. Giving him/her different work would make them feel segregated from the rest of the students. Just try to modify and provide accommodations. Ask the student to bring a bilingual dictionary to school everyday.

Good luck!