English for Speakers of Other Languages
West Harbour School runs a variety of programmes to meet the learning needs of English Language Learners.
In the ESOL programme, we try to make sure that the students have the vocabulary they need for their classroom programme before their class begins to work on it. In this way they will have heard and used the words they will need and be able to share in the learning with the other children.
Games are made that help the students to learn the language in a way that is fun, but will still help them to notice and use the right words. Students enjoy playing games. Some of these games allow them to hear and repeatedly use simple sentences that are correctly formed. By frequent repetition of the sentences they come to learn and remember them. These sentences can be used in a variety of situations to help the students explain their needs or to share in classroom talks.
Students are encouraged to think about their learning and what they need to do to be even more successful learners.
This year we have a new room!! Lessons will no longer be held in the small room in the hall, but in a regular classroom in Room 5 which affords more space and should make things like art work much easier for the students. Lessons are still held in the afternoon with one session before lunch for the Manuka students.
We look forward to lots of exciting learning in our new room!
Anne Ure, ESOL teacher.
