My experience over the last few weeks working with Kate, my ELL student from Germany, has offered me a new appreciation for comfort in my own language. Kate is an outgoing student with a positive and adventurous spirit. She enjoys being involved with all types of activities, especially traveling and sports. After working with Kate I realize her struggles as she enters a new world of langue, but also get to celebrate her success as she achieves her goals, often things she never thought she could accomplish.
I started my conversation with Kate talking about my experience in Spain, and how I felt so lost, because I had only a slight grasp on Spanish. I did however tell her how supposed I was that I quickly picked up on much of the language after only being there a couple weeks. She shared the same exact thoughts and that began our connection.
Because I work with Kate in Team Sports class, she was immediately interested in the content. After she began to feel more comfortable with me, and the other students in the class, I would ask her to share stores about Germany, and how sports infiltrated her life there. It helped her form relationships with other students and made her feel validated in class.
Kate's involvement in the class has continued to increase, and I am continued to be amazed at all she has accomplished up to this point.
I started my conversation with Kate talking about my experience in Spain, and how I felt so lost, because I had only a slight grasp on Spanish. I did however tell her how supposed I was that I quickly picked up on much of the language after only being there a couple weeks. She shared the same exact thoughts and that began our connection.
Because I work with Kate in Team Sports class, she was immediately interested in the content. After she began to feel more comfortable with me, and the other students in the class, I would ask her to share stores about Germany, and how sports infiltrated her life there. It helped her form relationships with other students and made her feel validated in class.
Kate's involvement in the class has continued to increase, and I am continued to be amazed at all she has accomplished up to this point.