We have had a wonderful first few weeks getting to know children attending English Learning Support Programme. We are very impressed with the way most of the children with very limited English have settled into their new learning environment and we would like to thank parents for the way they have prepared them for this experience. We work in small groups and meet for lessons every day. I work closely with class teachers to ensure that children learn English and continue with their education at the same time. Throughout the year we will use topics and curriculum of the classroom.
We have already looked at vocabulary related to all the things we use and can do in the classroom. This includes language of classroom instructions, names of numbers, letter sounds, shapes and colours. We have practiced new vocabulary while playing different speaking and listening games. It was great to observe students’ growing confidence in introducing themselves to new friends and collaboration during role play. Children really enjoyed taking on roles of teachers and giving instructions to each others! We have also studied vocabulary related to five senses and body parts in Year 1 and members of the family in Reception.
We are aware that coming to school with no knowledge of language is never easy, but we are sure that with further support of parents and teachers we can make the process of our students’ adaptation as smooth and successful as possible.
Magdalena Świątek
ELS teacher