Engagement
Research shows student engagement is correlated with improved attendance and higher performance in school. Students with a lower level of engagement tend to have disruptive behavior in class, skip school, or eventually drop out of school (Jablon & Wilkinson 2006). Therefore, increasing student’s engagement is crucial for students to success in school. Ghazlan, a kindergartener, is an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) level 1 student. She doesn’t understand or speak English with only a few words. She receives very little support academically at home. Her parents are from Saudi Arabia with very limited English language skill. Ghazlan speaks Arabic at home only. She has no school experience before this kindergarten …show more content…
It is difficult but not possible. The first step is to establish a caring and positive relationship with Ghazlan. Children learn better when they feel secure and have a warm attachment with the adults in the classroom. It is also the foundation for effective development and students well-being (Bredekamp & Copple 2009, p193).
Before starting working with Ghazlan, I used the strategy responsive emotional climate: fostering prosocial attitudes by showing sympathy and caring (Bredekamp & Copple 2009, p197). I stayed close to her throughout my observation in class. I helped her logged into the computer by identifying the letters and numbers on the keyboard. When she couldn’t see the words on the easel, I wrote them down on my notebook so she could see it easily.
The second strategy I used was to facilitate Ghazlan’s social interaction skills in class and at the playground. For example, during a recess, I guided Ghazlan and her classmate taking turns being on the swing. I said, “ I noticed Ghazlan needed someone to push her on the swing, and Peyton wanted to be on the swing. Hmm…” I turned to Ghazlan and said with a gesture, “ Ghazlan, would you like to take turns with Peyton to push the
Research shows student engagement is correlated with improved attendance and higher performance in school. Students with a lower level of engagement tend to have disruptive behavior in class, skip school, or eventually drop out of school (Jablon & Wilkinson 2006). Therefore, increasing student’s engagement is crucial for students to success in school. Ghazlan, a kindergartener, is an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) level 1 student. She doesn’t understand or speak English with only a few words. She receives very little support academically at home. Her parents are from Saudi Arabia with very limited English language skill. Ghazlan speaks Arabic at home only. She has no school experience before this kindergarten …show more content…
It is difficult but not possible. The first step is to establish a caring and positive relationship with Ghazlan. Children learn better when they feel secure and have a warm attachment with the adults in the classroom. It is also the foundation for effective development and students well-being (Bredekamp & Copple 2009, p193).
Before starting working with Ghazlan, I used the strategy responsive emotional climate: fostering prosocial attitudes by showing sympathy and caring (Bredekamp & Copple 2009, p197). I stayed close to her throughout my observation in class. I helped her logged into the computer by identifying the letters and numbers on the keyboard. When she couldn’t see the words on the easel, I wrote them down on my notebook so she could see it easily.
The second strategy I used was to facilitate Ghazlan’s social interaction skills in class and at the playground. For example, during a recess, I guided Ghazlan and her classmate taking turns being on the swing. I said, “ I noticed Ghazlan needed someone to push her on the swing, and Peyton wanted to be on the swing. Hmm…” I turned to Ghazlan and said with a gesture, “ Ghazlan, would you like to take turns with Peyton to push the