This month, I presented
Refugees, Asylees, and Unaccompanied minors: Understanding your Newcomer. Although a student may be native to the U.S., they are all coming with different experiences that can enhance or interfere with learning.
Below are a few tips and ideas to help you gain knowledge and make connections with all of your students from diverse backgrounds:
Tip #1: Avoid the "single" story
Not every student's situation will mirror anothers just because they are from the same country, ethnic background, community, etc. This applies to ALL kids, not just English Learners.
Tip #2: Reach out-"It takes a village."
Develop partnerships with community organizations & collaborate with school personnel.
IDEA:
Travel the world with all of your students by honoring the diversity in your classroom.
- Have a map of the world and mark where students are from...even students from different cities or states.
- Allow students to share their stories. We all have a story to tell. (I am from West Texas and it's definitely different from living in the city!)
