This post is a reflection of two videos that showcased migrants in Kansas and some of their experiences.
Discussion Post |
Discussion Post (created October 25, 2017 by Amanda Johnson)
After watching the videos describing the experiences of these two students, I am amazed at how difficult life really can be for them, both at home and in school. They have both worked really hard to be successful in their goals, but it has not been easy. Both videos were very powerful in showing each situation and what they had to go through, but I am drawn more to Alex's video of her experience. I am from Southwest Kansas and this is the majority of our population because we do have a lot of feed yards and meat packing plants where there is always plenty of work for those willing to do the hard work.
In order to really help these individuals we need to make sure that the families know about all of the resources that are available to them. We do have times when students will just disappear, and sometimes they weren't even in the classroom very long. These families move usually because of financial changes and need to move for work, or simply can't afford where they are living any longer. While they are in our classrooms, we need to make sure that they are having a positive learning experience. If they don't understand the language, I try to find someone to help me, and we work together to make sure that they aren't just being left behind. A child's mind is amazing when you see just how fast they can learn new languages. I also am a big believer in after-school programs, not just because of the educational opportunities, but also giving the students a safe place to stay until their parents get off of work. It's not always possible for someone to pick up their child when school gets out which means we sometimes have children going home and being the responsible one to care for younger siblings until their parents do get home. When they are finished with their K-12 education, they need to know that there is help for them to attend college. The cost of college alone can be enough to deter someone from making the decision to attend.
ELL students come to us at a disadvantage and I have worked really hard to try and close that gap for my students. I want them to understand and comprehend what we are doing and enjoy their experience while in my classroom.
After watching the videos describing the experiences of these two students, I am amazed at how difficult life really can be for them, both at home and in school. They have both worked really hard to be successful in their goals, but it has not been easy. Both videos were very powerful in showing each situation and what they had to go through, but I am drawn more to Alex's video of her experience. I am from Southwest Kansas and this is the majority of our population because we do have a lot of feed yards and meat packing plants where there is always plenty of work for those willing to do the hard work.
In order to really help these individuals we need to make sure that the families know about all of the resources that are available to them. We do have times when students will just disappear, and sometimes they weren't even in the classroom very long. These families move usually because of financial changes and need to move for work, or simply can't afford where they are living any longer. While they are in our classrooms, we need to make sure that they are having a positive learning experience. If they don't understand the language, I try to find someone to help me, and we work together to make sure that they aren't just being left behind. A child's mind is amazing when you see just how fast they can learn new languages. I also am a big believer in after-school programs, not just because of the educational opportunities, but also giving the students a safe place to stay until their parents get off of work. It's not always possible for someone to pick up their child when school gets out which means we sometimes have children going home and being the responsible one to care for younger siblings until their parents do get home. When they are finished with their K-12 education, they need to know that there is help for them to attend college. The cost of college alone can be enough to deter someone from making the decision to attend.
ELL students come to us at a disadvantage and I have worked really hard to try and close that gap for my students. I want them to understand and comprehend what we are doing and enjoy their experience while in my classroom.
Peer Responses
Hi Amanda,
It's really interesting that you live in Kansas and can relate to the videos. I agree that after-school programs are beneficial, and I know about 1/5 of our students take advantage of one offered through the YMCA at the small school where I teach. I was also disheartened watching the videos and being able to have a small glimpse into the life of a migrant student. It is so different from what I know or what my son will know. I think as a mother, it is especially hard to watch these videos because you can easily imagine what it would be like for your child and it's heartbreaking. I'm glad to know there are teachers like you who are making concerted efforts to really help migrant students.
Gretchen Mocker-Schierloh, October 26, 2017
It's really interesting that you live in Kansas and can relate to the videos. I agree that after-school programs are beneficial, and I know about 1/5 of our students take advantage of one offered through the YMCA at the small school where I teach. I was also disheartened watching the videos and being able to have a small glimpse into the life of a migrant student. It is so different from what I know or what my son will know. I think as a mother, it is especially hard to watch these videos because you can easily imagine what it would be like for your child and it's heartbreaking. I'm glad to know there are teachers like you who are making concerted efforts to really help migrant students.
Gretchen Mocker-Schierloh, October 26, 2017
Amanda,
you are right about the disadvantages faced by ELL's. As I have said in my response, there should be a center with community navigators. These navigators can help the students and their families figure out the rules of the road, when it comes to the communities they live in. I honestly would be lost without our Somali navigator, who I consider a friend and colleague. Often times our Somali students will come to me with a problem, like getting a bus pass renewed or a health problem. Having Our Somali navigator there to translate helps pool my knowledge of the Resettlement Agency resources, and his knowledge of the language and Somali community together.
Navigators are worth their weight in gold, and I think assisting parents and students helps the ELL become more adjusted to the community and more set up for success.
Sean Mellott, October 27, 2017
you are right about the disadvantages faced by ELL's. As I have said in my response, there should be a center with community navigators. These navigators can help the students and their families figure out the rules of the road, when it comes to the communities they live in. I honestly would be lost without our Somali navigator, who I consider a friend and colleague. Often times our Somali students will come to me with a problem, like getting a bus pass renewed or a health problem. Having Our Somali navigator there to translate helps pool my knowledge of the Resettlement Agency resources, and his knowledge of the language and Somali community together.
Navigators are worth their weight in gold, and I think assisting parents and students helps the ELL become more adjusted to the community and more set up for success.
Sean Mellott, October 27, 2017
I was moved by the video of Alex in similar way, Amanda. She gave what I call an inside and outside view of these families and their challenges. I think these kinds of personal stories and insights are very useful. It's great to see that you take the learning needs of your ELL students personally. I'm sure that they feel your desire for them to succeed. Enjoying their classroom experience will certainly motivate their learning.
Jalen Brown, October 27, 2017
Jalen Brown, October 27, 2017