Russian student arrived in US 3 wks. ago. Now she's in my English class.?

Question

This is a smart teenager. She's ahead of the other students in their math/science classes, but she speaks very little English; in fact, I've had to resort to gestures quite a few times. We're reviewing grammar now, however, and it's difficult to gesture the meaning of "noun" and "verb." My school district can't afford to buy an expensive program for one student. (I guess she'll be the "child left behind.") She must take the TAKS test in early 2009 in order to graduate. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Talk to her.  Get other students to talk to her.  She needs to practice her English, and the only way to do that is to be forced to use it.  She's probably not speaking English at home, so she needs all the practice she can get at school.

Answer 2

It is nice of you to help her. As a smart girl she should pick up our language quickly. Ask her to read as much in English as she can, Your school may have an ESL class.If not, or in addition there may be evening classes to help her. Speak to her guidance counselor about that./