ESL students non-literate in their native languages

ESL students non-literate in their native languages

bdeeds 17 Jun 2009 02:45

What do you recommend for teachers who have a class of 30 adult ESL students, and one of the students is non-literate in their home language? Any techniques or advice on how to help?

Last edited on 17 Jun 2009 02:47 by bdeeds Show more

Re: ESL students non-literate in their native languages

Carmen Hirsch 18 Jun 2009 00:58

I had a non-literate student in my high beginning class; I did not treat him any different in class, but when class was over, I spent an additional few minutes with him. I also gave him handouts of subjects I was going to cover in class that were more approriate for his level. He did his "homework" and turned it in to me a week later.

Re: ESL students non-literate in their native languages

paula kizis 20 Jun 2009 18:49

If the student does not have a learning dissability it should not be too difficult to help them learn to read in English. A tutor would be very helpful in moving the student along in a consistent and routine way. Once the basics are taught, and the student understands the connection between speaking, reading and writing, I think it would just take time and practice to increase vocabulary, writing, reading and speaking skills. Perhaps an ESL class could be designed specifically for the students who are not literate in their native language.

Last edited on 20 Jun 2009 19:10 by paula kizis Show more

Re: ESL students non-literate in their native languages

JYeo 17 Jun 2009 23:51

Students who are non-literate in their own languages are at an obvious disadvantage and can often feel downright intimidated in a group setting. It is probably a good idea to give them individual help with a tutor before placing them in a class. Some tutors enjoy the challenge of teaching students at this level. I have found that it can take several months with a tutor to mainstream a non-literate student.