VBlog #1
Hello everyone! My name is Essien Cooper, I am currently completing my last semester of student teaching. I will be receiving my bachlerors degree in Human Development and Family Science and a minor in Marketing from the University of Houston this Fall. My placement has given me the opportunity to work directly with English Language Learners (ELLs), which has been both rewarding and eye-opening. I see firsthand the challenges ELL students face, such as navigating vocabulary, grammar, and cultural differences while still trying to keep up with the general curriculum. At the same time, I also witness their resilience and creativity in finding ways to communicate and connect. These daily interactions have deepened my appreciation for the role patience, encouragement, and differentiated instruction play in helping all students succeed.
In Chapter 1, Wright states, “ELLs do not need intervention. They need instruction” (Wright, 2019, p. 18). I’ve found that my bilingual students thrive when given opportunities to connect prior knowledge with new ideas. Teaching them creatively is rewarding, and they’ve even helped me with my Spanish, strengthening our community. Valuing their first language supports their academic growth and affirms their identities as bilingual learners. Wiright also states, "From a cognitive psychological perspective, we may consider how students draw on what they know in their first language (L1) as they are learning a second language (L2). Students can take much of the content-area knowledge and literacy skills they gained in their L1 and transfer them to their L2" (Wright, 2019, p. 57). I witness this daily with bilingual students. Their connections are impressive, and I no longer see their limited English skills as a challenge, but as a stepping stone to greater intelligence while balancing two languages.
As an educator, my teaching philosophy emphasizes inclusivity, connection, and advocacy, inspired by Rita Pierson’s quote: “Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them.” I strive to be that champion by creating a welcoming classroom where students feel safe taking risks and learning. My experience with English Language Learners (ELLs) has shown me the importance of visual aids, group activities, and peer collaboration in building comprehension and confidence. Initially focused on supporting Black and Brown students in low-income areas, my student teaching experience in a bilingual primary school has broadened my view, deepening my commitment to equitable teaching. I also believe in educating all students about learning differences, such as dyslexia, to foster empathy and support. My goal is to equip students with both academic tools and emotional encouragement, creating a classroom where every child, regardless of background, language, or ability, can thrive. By promoting inclusivity and connection, I aim to ensure that each student has the opportunity to succeed.
Word Cited:
Wright, W.E. (2019). Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice. Caslon Publishing.
Hello Essien I enjoyed your use on the quote ELLs do not need intervention they need instruction. It is important to know that any student who is not academically stimualted may show so in many ways. That is where we as teachers must ensure that our students are given the best quality of instruction and differentiation. it is disheartening to see that many students are often over looked of their talent due to the immediate diagnosis of "it is a behavioral issue". There must be an understanding that sometimes student are taken out of an environment to an environment where they have not established comfortability.
ReplyDeleteHi Andrea, that quote really did stand out to me !! I really like what you said! I agree that students don’t always need intervention, but instead a good instruction that meets their needs and i’m currently working on being that for my ELL students. It’s true that sometimes kids get overlooked or labeled too quickly without people realizing they just need more support or a different approach. I also agree with your point about being comfortable students learn so much better when they feel safe and understood in the classroom.
DeleteHi Essien!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed watching your post! I love how you shared that your bilingual students have even helped you with Spanish, that’s such a beautiful example of how teaching and learning go both ways. I’ve had similar moments where students languages taught me something new, and it really shows how much of a resource those languages are. Like you said, valuing their first language not only supports academics but also affirms their identity, which is so important.
I also connected with what you said about not seeing limited English as a challenge, but as a stepping stone. That shift in perspective makes such a difference in how students are supported. I admire how your philosophy emphasizes inclusivity and connection. The Rita Pierson quote you used fits in really well!
Hi! Thank you so much for your kind words. I love that you’ve also had those moments where your students taught you something new, it really does show how much we can learn from them when we value their first language. I agree that seeing English as a stepping stone instead of a limitation really changes the way we approach teaching and supporting them. I’m glad you connected with the quote as well! It’s one of my favorites because it reminds me why building connections matters so much in the classroom.
DeleteHello Essien! I love how you stated "Valuing their first language supports their academic growth and affirms their identities as bilingual learners, " based on just my personal experience as an ESL student, I remember teachers telling me to use my knowledge in Spanish to learn new vocabulary in English. This is a skill that I still use even now. Having a second language is definitely a stepping stone to develop more in the English language. Your educational philosophy also resonates with me. It is important that we make our students feel included in their community and also believe they can succeed and grow.
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DeleteHi! Thank you so much for sharing your personal experience! I love how you mentioned using Spanish to build your English vocabulary; it shows exactly why valuing a student’s first language is so important. I completely agree that being bilingual is such a strength and can open so many doors for students I wish I would’ve learned a second language! I’m glad my philosophy resonated with you, and I agree that making students feel included in their community is one of the most important parts of teaching.