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  Case: Hesitations to speak English
Miss Johnson enjoys teaching Kindergarten very much. Her love for children has allowed her to be a "natural" in the classroom. She has been so comfortable instructing Kindergarteners, that she has never felt unprepared for any situation that might occur in her daily classroom routines. Miss Johnson is confident in the reputation she has gained with her students and their parents. Miss Johnson started this particular school year with a few ESL (English as a Second Language) students in her classroom. Her self confidence did not waver as she carefully planned her lessons with these second language learners in mind. Miss Johnson continued to strengthen her teaching skills as she observed the progress of her students, including the ESL students who had become very much a part of the Kindergarten class. One certain ESL student, Rosa, was learning English at a slower rate than the other language learners. Miss Johnson attributed Rosa's reluctance to speak the new language to her shyness and lack of confidence. Furthermore, Rosa's parents had never responded to Miss Johnson's notes and invitations. Miss Johnson decided to give the situation more time and not worry about rushing to conclusions. When February arrived, Miss Johnson sent home notes with her students informing parents about the upcoming Valentine's Day Kindergarten party. She asked parents to send a shoebox to school in order for their children to decorate it, in preparation for the special day. The next day Miss Johnson's eager students began bringing in their boxes. When Rosa presented a nicely wrapped box to Miss Johnson, the classroom grew silent. For the first time in her teaching career, Miss Johnson was not prepared for this moment. She asked Rosa if she should open the box. Rosa smiled and nodded for her teacher to unwrap the box. When Miss Johnson took off the bow and unwrapped the box, she realized that Rosa's parents had not only wrapped the shoebox but had put something in it. Miss Johnson slowly opened the shoebox as everybody watched. Much to Miss Johnson's surprise, the box contained a brand new pair of lady's shoes. All of the Kindergarteners laughed, all except for Rosa.

Questions:
1. After observing Rosa's hesitations to speak English, what approaches could Miss Johnson pursue to assess the situation?
2. What steps can Miss Johnson take to assure parental communication and involvement?
3. How could Miss Johnson make a pleasant learning situation out of the Valentine box event?
Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!)
1. After observing Rosa's hesitations to speak English, what approaches could Miss Johnson pursue to assess the situation?
I think the best step would be to speak with someone in administration about using a translator. This could help clear up many confusions, and answer any of Rosa's questions she may have.

2. What steps can Miss Johnson take to assure parental communication and involvement?
Trying to have the translator write a letter could be beneficial.

3. How could Miss Johnson make a pleasant learning situation out of the Valentine box event?
How different people interpret things differently.
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I like how they suggest having a translator present in the classroom. This can help solve any miscommunication if any. I can also see this being a clutch for the student in question. She may rely on the translator too much and may not make any progress when needed. I would suggest only having the translator around for a certain amount of time in the classroom to help prevent this. Give the students enough time to ask the translator questions, but not so much where they need their help 24/7.
Rated On: October 19, 2014 11:17 pm
Rated By: dePyja
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Agree
Rated On: February 24, 2015 4:43 pm
Rated By: zyWute