Elementary School Observation Paper

We observed many different program models as we visited three different elementary schools. Two of the schools are in Urbana: King Elementary School and Leal Elementary School. The other school, Johns Hill Elementary School, is in Decatur. The program models we observed were ESL Pullout and Push-in, Dual-Language, and Transitional Bilingual Education. Through the visits I learned a lot about the different program models and what they are like within a school. I learned about the benefits and also the challenges that students and teachers face. The first school we visited was King Elementary School. I observed the Transitional Bilingual Education program model and the Dual-Language program model. The students being served through the programs are kindergarten through fifth grade. There are many languages …show more content…
The program models in the school were ESL pullout and push-in. Johns Hill is the only school in Decatur that has a program for language minority students. One of the struggles mentioned by the teachers is finding the resources and materials they need for their students. I did not see very many cultural visuals displayed throughout this school. I observed a teacher pull-out Spanish speaking students and work with them on reading. The students seemed to be very engaged as they enjoyed speaking in their native language. The programs I observed were similar to what we have read about in class. I could tell what programs I was observed based on the readings. It was very interesting to see them being put into place. The students were very responsive to the use of their native languages. One thing that the teachers from all the schools commented on was how students felt much more comfortable about participating when they were with those who spoke their language. The teachers said that students who were normally quiet in a regular classroom would break out of their shells in the native language