BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
Kalia is a young Hmong refugee. At school she doesn't mix with the other kids, separates herself at recess, and doesn't speak, at all. It's like there's a rock in her throat. When parent teacher conferences happen and the teacher asks if she talks at home, she is surprised to hear that Kalia does. Although well behaved, and good at school, she won't speak English.
A poignant memoir that every teacher should read (as well as students who are in classes with our new arrivals). I learned in my ELL endorsement classes that English learners have a silent period, Kalia's lasted through secondary school. It's heartbreaking to see what a difficult time many of our non English speaking children are having. They are courageous.
Lisa Librarian
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