Welcoming Newcomers Stephanie Johnson ELL Coordinator LPSD 38

Types of “newcomers” Just moved to U.S. with one parent because of marriage Just moved to U.S. with own family Adopted from overseas Refugee

The first weeks are crucial Prepare mainstream students to help newcomer feel comfortable Establish atmosphere of acceptance of differences More anxiety = less language comprehension, slower learning

Focus on the positive Encouragement and praise for what student can do Create frequent opportunities for success in your class Don’t put student on the spot/call on them to perform alone above their level of competence

Ideas from everythingesl.net Take student on a school tour Assign a buddy Help newcomers develop pride in their heritage Be aware of culture shock

Four Stages of Culture Shock 1.Euphoric or Honeymoon Stage 2.Culture Shock Stage 3.Integration Stage 4.Acceptance Stage

Euphoric or Honeymoon Stage Excited to be in the U.S. People are excited about them Lasts about 3 – 4 weeks

Culture Shock Stage Differences between the two worlds become overwhelming Frustration begins to set in, and usually worsens over time Exhaustion, irritability, depression, acting out, withdrawal Lasts anywhere from 3 months to a year Needs gentle treatment and understanding

Integration Stage Start digging out of the pit Picking up more English, figuring out routines, getting used to the new world Parents may start getting worried student is becoming too “Americanized” I would say “integration” is a good 2 or 3 year process

Acceptance Stage Student fully accepts and enters mainstream culture as well as home culture Parents now really worried about kids losing native language and culture – or sometimes they have begun to accept this as well Some students reject home culture at this point. I personally strive against this in my work with ELLs.