Group Presentation and ESL

One of the major points the group discussed today was the importance of incorporating other cultures into the curriculum/classroom. The teachers that I found to be most memorable were the ones that incaged me in converstation about myself, my family, and my heritage. In 7th and 8th graded, we were learning about Judaism and my teacher asked me to help teach it. Now, I didn't do very much but I felt honored that she had recongnized that I was different and she respected that difference. When a teacher shows a genuine care and love for education, then that attitude was reflected onto the students. I actually ended up inviting her to my Bat Mitzvah because I knew that she really would enjoy the learning experience.

I think it is very important to respect and honor other cultures. I really enjoyed taking my mayterm class because I got to learn about other cultures and ways to incorporate them into the classroom. This class was geared towards elementary school but it was still useful. There are so many different forms of "ESL" type programs that each has to be looked at very carefully in order to determine which one is the best. I understand that there isn't just one program that is the best and should be used always; it totally depends on the situation. If one doesn't work, then it should be changed so that it does work. I believe that dual immersion is the best. The students should be exposed to both languages and should have school taught in both languages. I feel that it is important to experience both sides of the equation. One needs to be on the high side where they understand everything but should also be exposed to the lower end of it where they don't understand much. This way it helps to develop mutal feeling for eacho ther as well as life lessons and skills on how to solve problems even when you are having difficultly understanding. Not everything will come easily, believe me I found that out only a couple years ago, and so if they are exposed to it earlier, there may be a chance of less frustration. I still find it hard to accept the fact that I may not be good at something, no matter how hard I try and how much effort I put out. I always wonder if I struggled when I was little, would I still have a hard time accepting it now?

Ok, a little story that goes along with the spaghetti example from class. I was at Noodles and Company with my mom a year or so ago and she ordered the Japanese Pan Noodles. Well, to me they looked like worms. I knew they weren't but that didn't matter. So I was going to tell my mom but then I knew she wouldn't finish eatting them so I tried to hold back. Eventually my mom made me tell her and after that, she would never eat them again. She can't get that thought out of her head. The example just reminded me of that sotry, so I thought I would share it. Have a good day!