English as an Additional Language

ISG will provide English language opportunities for students to learn basic interpersonal communication skills, to develop cognitive academic language proficiency, and to acquire an awareness of cultural diversity.

The English as an Additional Language Program (EAL) is provided without extra cost. It is designed to assist each student who needs help to understand, speak, read and write English well enough to participate in the regular classroom. The EAL program is flexible enough to meet the changing needs of students new to ISG and to English as the medium of instruction.

Tips for Summer Learning

Why do children need EAL and who makes this decision?

The EAL program provides an opportunity to concentrate on learning the language for communication. The classroom teacher recommends children for testing. The EAL teacher tests the child and makes the decision based on the child’s English ability and their age. An older child needs a better command of English than a younger one.

Is participating in EAL optional?

No, it is required of all students whose English skills do not permit them to participate fully in the classroom.

Do students miss time from their regular classroom?

They leave their classroom only for a short time. In the EAL class, they benefit from small group instruction which focuses on their language needs. They do spend most of their time in the regular classroom.

Why don’t students who are in the early stages of learning English spend more time in the EAL class?

Most children are capable of improving their English language skills by immersion in the regular classroom with a limited amount of direct EAL instruction daily.

How will I know how my child is doing in EAL?

Parents receive a written report twice a year showing the progress made by the student.

How will the school decide when my child is ready to leave EAL?

Leaving EAL can be a gradual process with a reduction in the number of EAL lessons preceding the ‘graduation’. Students take an oral proficiency test with the EAL teacher. The decision is based on these results and consultation with the class teacher.

How long do children stay in the EAL program?

The length of time varies depending on the age of the child, the level of English skills when the child entered school etc. Research has shown that children take six or seven years to achieve native-like proficiency. Our experience shows that most children are ready to leave the program within two years. However, they may continue to require additional support to reach their full potential.

My child is not in the regular education class all day. How can she/he be graded fairly?

Children in the EAL program generally receive modified grades. They are not expected to meet academic standards until their English language skills allow full participation in the curriculum.

I am anxious to help my child learn English as quickly as possible. What can I do to help at home?

You can set aside a certain time each day when English is spoken at home. Use the house as a starting point in the teaching of vocabulary: Talk about the different objects in the kitchen, bedroom, playroom, garden, and sitting room. Teach single words at first. Later you may move into questions and answers: “What do you use a saucepan for?” “Where is your doll?”

Home learning should be pleasant. If a child makes a mistake, do not become angry, but calmly encourage him or her to try again.

You may take advantage of books that are sent home as readers, or library books. Before your child reads a book, there are activities you can do to make this experience more fun and more beneficial. First, look at the pictures and discuss them in English. Next, try to guess what the story is about. Then read the story, perhaps as a pair. If your child is a good reader, he or she might like to read it alone. Then review the story: talk about the best parts, the scariest parts, the characters, and the setting. If you can set aside 15 minutes a day for reading with your child you will see enormous progress.

English-speaking playmates are good teachers. Invite your child’s friends to your home to play. Let your child watch English-language children’s programs on television. Use this as an opportunity to ask questions and encourage active practice. Review your child’s schoolwork. Support the class and EAL teacher if homework is sent home. Visit the school on Parent Nights: both the regular class and the EAL class.

My child is receiving instruction in his native language after school. Is this a good idea?

We encourage parents to continue to foster the child’s communication in his or her native language. There are no hard and fast rules about providing formal classes. However, if your child has problems at school, you may wish to postpone native-language instruction until you see more success. Many parents of EAL children will some day return to their native land. For this reason it is important that the child’s native language is maintained.

Should I employ a tutor to help my child adjust to the English-language program at your school?

It is important to be patient with your child’s learning progress. Students, who have been successful at school in their home country, may take several years to achieve similar success in English language schooling. Your children are undertaking a very difficult task and need time to play and make friends. If you decide to hire a tutor, please be sure that there is steady communication between the tutor, the regular classroom teacher, and the EAL teacher. This will make a tutor much more effective, and you will receive better value for your investment. You may be able to support your child in his/her studies by providing textbooks in your own language about the content being studied, or explaining lessons in your own language.

I have a question about my child’s participation in the EAL program. Where can I find out more?

If at any time you have a question about EAL services, please feel free to contact your child’s EAL teachers through the school office. They will be glad to talk with you on the telephone, exchange written notes, or will arrange to meet you personally to discuss any concerns.

PLEASE REMEMBER:

· English is the key to success in our school.

· your child is undertaking a very difficult task: learning English and learning new material.

· your child may find this tiring and need time to relax and enjoy him/herself.

· you can help your child by taking an interest in what he/she is learning, and particularly by participating in home reading.