Cultural Awareness

The "Silent Period"

As a general ed teacher it may seem obvious that a child that has just moved from another country and speaks another language is not very chatty the first few days of school.  It is important to know that there is something called the "silent period" with ELL students.  Particularly the students who have recently moved from their home country or from a very different region.  This time period can last from a few days to a few months because all students will acclimate at their own pace to a new school, new community, new town and new culture in general.  The best thing you can do during this time is respect what the student must be going through and be sensitive to their situation while creating the safest and least threatening learning environment possible.  This is a great time to lean on your ESL teacher for advice on resources to help the student acclimate to your classroom so the student can continue to grow and learn.


Whats in a name?

  Culture Tip #1:

      Some students call their teacher, "teacher" out of respect.  It is what they were expected to call their teachers in their home country.  I am guilty of being a little annoyed when a student calls me teacher.  It makes me think, can't they remember my name?  I did not realize that this was a cultural response so next time you hear a student call you to get your attention with "teacher" take a step back before replying and think about where that child might be coming from.

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Getting To Know the Culture of Your Language Learner

Getting to know your English language learner is a huge step in the right direction to bridge social and academic gaps in the learning environment. Please take a few moments to check into cultural factors, views of family, religion and heirarchy.  Not understanding a language learner's background may be the source of academic and social chasms in the classroom.

• African American
• Arab American
• Asian American
• Central Asian
• Hispanics/Latinos
• Muslims
• Native Americans
• Pacific Islanders
• South Asians

Cultural Information Link