1. Survival Strategies for New Language Learners When the classroom teacher may exclaim, “What can we do?”

2. Here he/she comes! Smile! That helps everyone! Try to pronounce the name as the student wants it pronounced. (It takes me 10 times to get it right!)

3. What now? Give them a survival kit with words for common items in U.S. schools. (Contact your ESOL teacher for help.) Pair him with a nurturing English speaker.

4. What is a “silent period”? New students may take from 6 months to 2 years to speak in English. If your new student is smiling or mimicking English words within a few weeks, you are doing very well!

5. Why? U.S. Schools ColorSoundsFoodSanitation

6. What should I expect? Implement “yes” or “no” responses. Head nodding will suffice at first. (If using thumbs up as signal, explain its use in our culture. It does not mean polite things in other cultures.) Yes, answers. Regardless of your questions, students often want to please, so they answer “yes” to everything asked.

7. Gradual Growth looks like … Labels on charts. Nouns Nouns Pictures & Graphics

8. When Reading… Picture walk. Use physical ways to indicate responses. Add music and/or lyrics to teach a concept.

9. Did you know that… You are the valued “maestra”! In many cases, you are revered and a most important part of this student’s life. You are the stability and kindness of this country for this student and his family. Thank you!