Teaching ELL
Mary Monsour
March 6, 2016
because in a middle school students have more than one class, the
I had the benefit of observing him and another ELL student, Gaugan. I
spent my days with David though and gained great insight to this type
Here are some of the questions I asked David and observed answers.
1. How old were you when you moved to the United States?
Answer: David stated that he moved here from Mexico when he
Middle School.
asked this question because age plays such a crucial part in the
English pretty well and does not struggle too much with it today
and I find that most of the time no matter how proficient they are
his shoulders. This was a different reaction from him than I had
was slightly difficult, one because I did not want to pry and two
have been to learn not only a new language but also a whole
often answered with yes or no and that was about it, even
respected his answers and tried not to push him to the point of
disinterested.
response, but still short to an extent I like the people here and
the teachers
David did not elaborate too much here. But from reading his
body language and seeing him brighten up more I could tell this
Spanish but their parents only spoke their native language. This
prominent accent.
aspects of it. David does so well with the language that even
that did but it doesnt bother him much. After the few
from having a peer buddy though just because it gives him or her
connective things are for students the more engaged they will
maybe did not want to answer it and I had to break it down a bit.
Mrs. Mash his social studies teacher. She admires some of the
doodles and drawings he does in class. Mrs. Mash recognizes
Davids skill with a pen and interest in art and visuals as his way
an international language.
that David stated that he adored art and math, the two subjects
would have still had his interest while in Mexico because math is
how the cultures differ. Being an artist, I personally know that art
does differ culturally, but the processes and products all focus on
the differences in culture but it also motivates him and his skills.
As stated earlier, I observed David Roman, a seventh
Along with getting the chance to observe and work David, I got
was nine or ten years old. He struggles with minor things in the
has a bit of an accent, which took me a little while to get used to.
fun interviewing David and some of his teachers. But I feel that
was fun and exciting, it was radical getting to see him use his
English language skills but then also using his native language
when applicable.
Mrs. Mash is the teacher I contacted because her and I
permission from the school to observe David for each of the days
had any prior experience to working with ESL, ELL students, and
did not feel like I was walking into a classroom blind. I asked her
become a principal. I learned a lot from Mrs. Mash and the other
She speaks fluent Spanish so I asked her if she uses this with
David at all and she said yes. She always greats him in Spanish
interview eventually and gain even further insight with David and
Hi David,
you. I know we only got the chance to meet a few times but I
Being someone who can speak more than one language will be
and I hope you continue with it; dont give it up because the
world needs more people like you. Thank you again David for
Thanks,
Gabby Giovenco