Entry 1: Self Introduction
Hello! Welcome to my blog! I am a Senior at the University of Houston. After graduation, I am excited to see where I get the opportunity to build my first classroom! I hope you enjoy my first blog video!
Blog 1
Entry 2: Interview with Kiko Martinez
Entry 2 This week, I interviewed Kiko Martinez, who is a student at the University of Houston pursuing his Mechanical Engineering of Technology degree. Many other friends that I have spoken to regarding their experience with learning English as a second language is much like Kiko’s. His parents and siblings would only speak Spanish at home, with the exception of watching TV in English. Although he was born in the United States, Kiko did not formally learn English until he was in Kindergarten. Although it was not until he started school, Kiko was only five, which helped him significantly in building his fluency and proficiency. The Critical Period Hypothesis states that language learners benefit more when they begin at a young age. According to Wright (2015), “a much greater amount of instructional time in K-12 educational systems” to learn a language than adults learning a new language and tend to “feel more comfortable usi...
Hello Emerald, I enjoyed listening to your blog that you posted. I enjoyed learning more about you, your culture and your family. You seem very close to your family and brother, which is definitely something I can relate too. My family and loved ones are very important to me and we are very close as well. I also like the animation you included in your video and how you explained your experience with learning a foreign language. Your story is a testament that with dedication, drive and practice you can learn a foreign language and retain the information. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us!
ReplyDeleteNicole Hill
Nicole, I agree! I think that it is important to learn the roots of your culture and be able to speak about it once you get older. Learning it while I was younger was definitely a struggle and seemed pointless for a while since all of my friends would speak English. Now that I am older, I love that I can communicate in the Chinese community!
DeleteYes, I can definitely see how you appreciate learning a second language, now that you are older. You are an example of the misconception the text, Foundations for Teaching English Language Learner, when it points out "that nonnative American child has limited English proficiency"(Wright, 2015, p. 7). I wish I had stayed dedicated to learning the languages and classes my father enrolled me in when I was younger. I do want to learn a foreign language now that I am older. I do believe that knowing how to communicate in another language, other than your native language, helps unite us with other cultures and their history.
DeleteNicole Hill
Hello Emerald!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed watching your video! It is so great that your family was so involved in you learning a second language, while still making sure to keep your cultural roots alive. Being able to communicate through more than one language cane be extremely beneficial. Wright wrote, "Encouraging ELLs to maintain and develop their home language while they develop proficiency in English benefits the individual ELL and his or her family and community" (Pg. 23). Our experiences sound similar, as I also went through high school Spanish struggling to retain information because most of the teachings were done through repetition and worksheets. I couldn’t agree more with your point of learning through mistakes. Students should always feel comfortable in the classroom, even when making mistakes. Again, I enjoyed watching your video. I look forward to a great semester with you. Thank you for sharing!
Wright, W. E. (2015). Foundations for teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Philadelphia: Caslon Publishing.
Melissa, thanks for your kind words! I think learning Spanish would have been more enjoyable and useful if the teacher took the time to make class more engaging and point out the purpose of learning additional languages. Now that I am older, I wish I took it more seriously and see how useful Spanish could be. As a future teacher, I wish that more attention can be brought to this issue in school. I think the approach can make such a difference!
DeleteEmerald,
DeleteYou're right! I wish more teachers would realize the issue of lack of engagement and purpose of learning in schools. Making learning hands-on and enjoyable can really make all the difference, especially for students learning a foreign language. Like you mentioned, I also now realize how beneficial learning a new language can be. This is something I want to make sure I communicate to my students. I want them to understand the importance of not only learning a new language, but also the importance of learning in general.
Hi Emerald!
ReplyDeleteFirst off, love your name! Thanks for sharing your background. I love that your family is so in touch with their native culture. I think that the age a child starts learning a foreign language matters. The earlier a child is immersed in another language or culture, the easier and quicker they can learn it. Wright says, "Encouraging ELLs to maintain and develop their home language while they develop proficiency in English benefits the individual ELL and his or her family..." (Wright, p. 23). In your instance, it allows you to really know who you are as a person and where you come from. America is a melting pot and everyone should feel comfortable to be who they are. Learning authentically, like just by being with your boyfriend's family, is more authentic than workbook pages from a text book. Authenticity really does matter, especially when learning a foreign language.
Madeline Downs
Madeline, I definitely agree with you! Of course, I have spent more time with my boyfriend's family over the past six years compared to the times I spent in Spanish class during high school. But listening to purposeful application and conversations in Spanish has benefitted me much more than in class. One of the biggest motivations to speak Spanish now is the hopes to chime in on Spanish conversations with my boyfriend's family. Knowing the purpose of why you should learn something is very important in my opinion!
DeleteI wish I had more opportunities to use my Spanish in an authentic atmosphere. I am student teaching in a self-contained, English only class, and I love it, but sometimes I wish I had opportunities to observe in a bilingual classroom just to hear Spanish in an academic, yet authentic setting. I have gotten to know some of the kids in those classes, and they know that I understand Spanish, and just through casual lunch and recess conversations I have gotten to practice it, but I just wish I had more of an opportunity! Thanks for replying and can't wait to interact with you more!
DeleteGreat work!
ReplyDelete