Teaching English to Those Who do not Speak It Kristine M. Keeney ASA Writing Teacher Lafayette Campus

Those who do not Speak it: Rueben Shantel Sharon What do these three students have in common? None of them speak English!

Ruben – ESL (English as a Second Language) “The use or study of English by speakers of other languages” (wikipedia.com).

A Sample of Ruben’s Writing I found article in the virtual library and talks about, the security in the computers. The systems of high level have more attention, than the low levels and they wants to introduce a high level program to the low level systems.

Shantel – American Slang “A variety (dialect, ethnolect and sociolect) of the American English language. It is also known colloquially as Ebonics” (wikipedia.com).

A Sample of Shantel’s Writing The reason for me joining in this class was for me to become a better writter. I needed to expand on what I nows bout writing proper the same time understand how too writ better.

Sharon – ASL (American Sign Language) “National sign languages generally express concepts rather than elements of words and thus have more in common with each other than with their countries' spoken languages” (Britannica.com).

A Sample of Sharon’s Writing The service dogs is wonderful helping for people with disabities. Dogs for deaf do different things than blind and there are three kinds special of dogs alike for both blind / deaf. The dog is expensive for blind, but donation who can help them for free. Training depends on for what disabities needs. Blind people really need a training dog lot more learn harder than deaf people, their dogs.

Highlighting the Difficulties Look over the handout displaying writing samples from Ruben, Shantel and Sharon, can you identify their key problem areas? Once you have identified them, keep them in mind and move to the back of the handout.

Giving it a Try: What would you do? Pretend that you are the English Teacher in a classroom containing all three of these students, how would you handle the special needs of Ruben, Shantel and Sharon while maintaining the rest of your students?

Ruben Ruben needs reinforced studies in the areas of English vocabulary and syntax. Vocabulary Exercises- spelling tests Definition Exercises

Shantel Shantel needs to: Understand that slang terms are not acceptable in essays. Realize that, in English, not everything is spelled the way it sounds Work on Vocabulary and spelling

Sharon Sharon needs to: be able to see and read all class material. Have someone express her signs verbally. Understand the proper syntax for English writing.

The first step Understand your students: their own needs and backgrounds.

Second Step Identify their specific problem areas.

Third step Provide aids, activities and exercises developed from your understanding of their needs.

Questions Anyone?