English Language Learners

Emfundweni Primary School houses students from Grade R (Kindergarten) through Grade 7. Throughout this time, learners gain a great deal of knowledge in preparation for high school and life after school. Subjects include English, Xhosa, Social Science, Life Science, Math, and Life Orientation. When learners arrive in Grade R, most only speak Xhosa. It isn't until around Grade 3 that an emphasis is put on learning English. However, in all coursework with the exception of Xhosa, the learners are completing assignments in English. The teachers are teaching from workbooks that are written in English when English is also difficult for them. The students complete work from workbooks, assignments in interactive notebooks, and exams all written in English. The teacher speaks to them and often writes direction on the board in Xhosa. Essentially, these children are doing the best they can to learn new information in a secondary language. This relates to experiences in the classroom at home with English Language Learners. Unfortunately here, many teachers do not have education degrees and their aren't any staff dedicated to the success of students learning in a secondary language. For example, the learners in my sixth grade class are receptive to English but are unable to answer comprehensive questions in English and often must be given choices. Overall, the students seem to adapt well and are learning English at a progressive rate. If supports were in place and teachers were more readily trained, perhaps the transition could occur more fluidly.