Fieldwork Observation 1

During my first fieldwork observation, I sat in on a Kindergarten ESL pull-out class. That day, the teacher was only working with three students, 2 boys and 1 girl. All three students were native Spanish speakers.

The purpose of the lesson was to practice using and finding high frequency words and vocabulary words. The lesson was structured in a small group setting where the teachers and students were all active participants. The students each read from a reader and made a list and note of words they encountered that were on their high frequency or vocabulary lists. The students added these words to their personal word walls. Adaptations of more time and one-to-one assistance were given to the students as needed. The students eagerly answered questions and gave responses to teacher inquiries, and all of them took turns reading to the group.

The evidence of "community" in the classroom began outside the door. All of the ESL students their name on a crayon outside the door showing visitors who belonged to the class group. Birthdays for the month were posted by the calendar and multi-ethnic displays were found around the room. A display of country flags, native costumes and languages are on one wall. This includes heritage countries of the students such as Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador, and this would welcome a second language learner into the class environment. Pinatas decorate the room, and books in English, Spanish and Chinese are seen on the shelves. Members of this classroom know they have a work area where they will join their small group for learning tasks. Their posted work, birthdays and names show they are full and welcome members of the class.

Fieldwork Observations

Again, I am Christina Ontiveros and I currently teach an ESL Pre-K class. I have 14/19 students who are native Spanish speakers. 

As I continue in my studies toward an ESL endorsement and degree, my blog will be evolving to include fieldwork observations. These observations will definitely include students from my classroom and also from the ESL classrooms at my school. Of course, everything will remain confidential for my students.

Enjoy the ride! :-)