• Have the student practice vocabulary words from required reading material by writing them while saying the sounds.
• Modify or adjust reading materials to the student’s ability level.
• Tape record difficult reading material for the student to listen to as he/she reads along.
• Use lower-grade-level texts as alternative reading materials in the subject areas.
• Use a highlighter to identify key words and phrases for the student. These words and phrases become the student’s sight word vocabulary.
• Make a list of main points from the reading material, written on the student’s reading level.
• Have the student dictate stories which are then written for him/her to read.

Cultural Calendar
Upcoming Celebrations in the Lives of our Students 

October 24 -- United Nations Day
The U.N. Charter went into effect on this day in 1945. This day is commemorated annually by all member-states of the United Nations. People reflect upon the importance of the United Nations to their national interests, as well as to each one of us personally.

October 26 -- Diwali begins in India
This Hindu Festival of Lights is celebrated for five days to remind people to overcome the ignorance that subdues humanity. People celebrate by lighting oil lamps in a row.

It is common for a student arriving from another country who has never studied English to spend one to three months in the pre-production stage of language development. This is also known as the "silent period," and is a normal stage in acquiring a new language. 

Behavior you can expect from newcomer students in the pre-production stage include: pointing and other non-verbal responses, active listening, responding to commands, a reluctance to speak, and the ability to understand more than they can produce.

Things you can do to help communicate with students in the pre-production language stage include using gestures and illustrations, modeling expected behavior, using repetition, asking yes/no questions, and not forcing the students to speak.
 

Welcome to our Schools!
Cabarrus County Schools’ New Welcome Center

The Cabarrus County Schools’ ESL Welcome Center opened last month at the Glenn Center. Students who speak a language other than English who are new to our school system will register there and take the IDEA tests to determine their English language proficiency. 

Students in grades 2-12 may be offered a spot in the eight-week intensive newcomer ESL classes. These students will attend the Welcome Center for half-days and spend the remainder of the day at their home school. Transportation for Winecoff students should become available in the second semester.

You can reach Annette Widelski, Alex Silva, or Maria Castañeda at the Welcome Canter at 704 723 9137 or 704 788 3021.