Language Support

Discuss with your mentor teacher culturally specific items in their classroom environment. You may consult other teachers at your field experience site to gather additional information or work with multiple teachers if needed. Include the following in your discussion:

· How do you support and celebrate cultural diversity within instruction?

· How do you leverage home language and cultural assets?

· How do you show responsiveness to the different strengths, needs, and identities of all ELLs, including special needs?

· How do you demonstrate understanding of the social, emotional, and cultural needs of students when establishing classroom routines and procedures?

· At least two additional questions to discuss with the teacher.

Observe at least one classroom in a K-8 or 9-12 school setting with ELLs. Continue to work with a student or group of students to support their language acquisition needs in the mentor teacher’s classroom. If possible, focus on instructional or support activities related to the discussion with your mentor. Examples of activities include creating resources with the mentor teacher that support the home language/culture of the ELLs in the classroom; conducting a whole-class activity that supports cultural diversity; attending meetings with the mentor teacher which involve ELL families; and providing one-on-one assistance specific to the social, emotional, cultural, linguistic, or academic needs of the student.