But they didn’t cry because they missed their family or precious toys. They cried because they could not understand or speak a word of English.“My name is Mansur,” the second-grader said to me in English. “I am from Afghanistan.”“I like the beach,” Mansur said.In just two months, those tears filled with confusion have turned into smiles – thanks to the English as a Second Language program offered at the charter school.
“We hope that this is going to be a model for other schools to apply as well. So every kid can have the opportunities,” Menardi said. Menardi then asked through a school chat if anyone would be interested in joining the club. To her surprise, the response from students was overwhelming. The small groups are divided by native language and English level. That way, Menardi can give a more personalized approach to students adjusted to their specific needs and backgrounds.
“They have to stay late, they’re tired, they have homework, vocabulary, and just to barely catch up with the others,” Menardi said. “It is heartwarming because they have become part of our team and family. They don’t feel singled out. They’re not sitting by themselves. The language is what’s connecting them and making them feel like ‘Okay, now I can have the confidence I can go up to somebody and say, ‘Can you play with me? You want to play soccer?’ So those little phrases they’re learning along the way,” Minaei said.
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