I repeatedly reminded my class of 4th, 5th, and 6th grade English Language Learning Hispanic students that I wanted to be invited to each of their graduations--middle school, high school, and college. There aren't words to express the joy I felt when Fernando took me at my word and called me a couple of days ago to tell me that he would be sending me an invitation to his high school graduation.
This experience was a reminder that our diverse learners need to know that we believe in them and that we have high expectations for them. This is a much different approach than having a huge 6th grade graduation celebration for them because you believe it will be the only graduation they will ever experience. Sadly, the latter is what I heard teachers express.
Providing opportunities for our diverse learners to dream about, envision, and vocalize their possible futures and then helping them develop the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their dreams is one of the greatest gifts we can give them.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
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