This was how the Spring 2011 semester began in the pre-lit class held at Wright Elementary. About 6 Somali and middle-eastern women made the walk and/or bus ride(or multiple bus rides) to attend the class. All possessed extremely limited or no English knowledge and most could barely read & write in their native language. A starting place at square one, for sure!
Armed with magazines loaded with photos, grocery ads, flash cards, white boards and a history of many games of charades under my belt, we worked our way through basic questions of greeting, colors, classroom objects, numbers and the alphabet. It has been very slow-going but the baby steps quickly grew into giant leaps with repetition, meaningful content and lots of laughter. I asked the students to teach me the numbers 1 – 10 in their language so they could see that we all struggle with a new language and to create a classroom where we can laugh and learn together with trust and friendship.
I can see so much progress and they keep showing up – so something definitely clicked. The students can now use basic greetings, write their names and say the letters of their name and even recite their phone numbers. They tell me in limited English or through our interpreter that they want more English classes and that they are no longer afraid to speak English – using it to say hello to the bus driver or to greet teachers, doctors and friends. They are empowered and excited about their progress and very grateful.
The spirit with which these students approach this almost impossible task is truly inspirational and humbling. Our job as teachers is so important for their practical life and their dreams of what it means to live in America. I am so thankful to LVT for giving me the chance to teach and to my students for their hard work – all done with a smile. Now if I can only remember the number 6 in Somali…….
By LVT English Language tutor, Syndi Taylor
