Survival English for Newcomers

I believe "Survival English" are the words that everyone learning English needs to learn. I went to a conference in Scottsdale Arizona that motivated me to make an ordered list of words to make sure every child would learn these words. (If the English language learner is not a child, the words they need to learn may be different such as phonebook/busbook/drivers license/American History and Government.)

I like to have the students create their own dictionary. I give them a 3-columned page with lines on the left column and in the right column. The center column is for a sketch or picture. Anyone can be actively working on their dictionary. A buddy can write the English word and they can write their word (if they cannot write their word, sound it out so an English speaker can read it and you will see the biggest grin when their cohort is speaking their language). I have used this from a K Marshalese to 5h grade Vietnamese students and know it works.

Here is a list of topics so you can create your own list: color, numbers, letters, classroom directions (use TPR to show what you mean), classroom objects, bathroom, school words, clothing, kitchen, food, calendar (days, weeks, month, seasons, time) and neighborhood words. Please find out if there are any dietary restrictions and help them with food choices.... no pork= no pepperoni on pizza etc. If necessary, you can buy a pre-Kinder or a Kinder workbook for them to do work. They will learn cutting, pasting, sequencing and other skills that normally would be taught in a preschool.

I also put a copy of this list into a newcomer tutor log book. If you can get a volunteer to help them, they can intial and date when they taught a skill. Then you will know, and the next person who comes to help, where they can review and what skill will be new.

Do you have any suggestions that could help others? Email me:margerywebbAThotmail.com (replace the AT with @)

(replace at with @)