While the schools in the Northern Hemisphere have just started their second semesters.  Many schools in the Southern Hemisphere have just begun their summer break. This may mean you have a newcomer in your class. While it is always wonderful to welcome a new student, the timing presents a few challenges. Students and teachers are 4 months into the curriculum and the pace of instruction and learning is starting to quicken.  So, what is a teacher to do?

Here are some suggestions to guide you in helping your newcomer get acclimated in his/her new home.

1. Don’t panic! Take a look at this presentation: Meet the Beginner.

2. Think about the student’s basic needs. Using TPR techniques, practice your Classroom Commands. For example: Stop, Look, Listen.

3. Think about the routine of your class and the daily commands that you use. These are phrases you want the student to understand. Example slides are provided. Feel free to customize these to suit your needs.

4. Investigate a way to communicate with parents or guardians. This may involve a translator, neighbor or relative. There are also more technological tools available now to assist with getting through the language barrier.

5.  

The link below will give you an idea of the academic calendars for 100 countries. 

https://www.ierf.org/wp-content/uploads/backup/2019/01/Index-of-Academic-Calendars-and-Dates-E-Pub.pdf

This link to an article in the NYT on January 26, 2025 reminds us of where some of our children come from. 

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/25/world/americas/haiti-children-schools.html