“ Learning a language is a difficult endeavor, and English learners can find comfort in the fact that they aren’t alone in their struggles.” AIU ESL instructor DeAnna Richey working with some of the members of the North Hills High School ESL Club. Photo: Michael Tarquinio
“In high school, it’s hard because so many friend groups have already been established,” Richey said. “In my class, a lot of the students are moving [here] in high school. A lot of them are new to the country within the last four years So, it’s hard for them to blend.” Learning a language is a difficult endeavor, and English learners can find comfort in the fact that they aren’t alone in their struggles. ESL classrooms serve as a space where these students can meet others on the same path to English proficiency and help each other reach their common goal. Students at McIntyre Elementary School in the North Hills complete worksheets as Maria Magnotti moves through the room checking their progress. Photo: Sam Kulp
Perguntino, one of Richey’s students from Equatorial Guinea, became fluent in four other languages before beginning his education in English. He frequently shares tips he picked up in his experience learning languages with the other English learners. “Since I’ve been learning [English] for five years now, it’s easy to tell people to watch movies and listen to music to help them with their English,” he said. Richey also observes that her students’ shared experience of feeling separate from English speakers sets the groundwork for valuable relationships within ESL classrooms. “The communities start in ESL. Their first few friends are actually in classes with me. That’s where they feel comfortable talking— where everybody is learning,” she said. Richey works to nurture that culture of understanding as more students begin their English-learning journey. “I always try to remind them to remember that feeling, that first day here. That really makes it a more empathetic, compassionate feeling in my room,” Richey said.
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Allegheny Intermediate Unit • aiu3.net