Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
My family and I are moving from the Caribbean to Weston, FL next Summer.
My childrens native language is Spanish. My daughter reads, writes and speaks English but with difficulties. She is currently in 4th grade. But her reading level comprehension in English is as a 2nd grader .She is my main concern at this time. Her actual curriculum is mainly in Spanish with some subjects in English (Maths, Language Arts, Science) but since we are a Spanish speaker country is not the inttention of the school to have the same level in English as the schools in USA.
My specific questions regarding this matter are:
a) Will this be a real problem for her performance at school?
b) All Weston School offer ESL Programs? How does this program work?
c) Does she need to be 10yrs to entering 5th grade? Her birthdate is November, after school year starts.
d) She only writes cursive. Is this a problem? I've heard it's required for kids to write blocks.
Thanks for taking time to reply.
However wanted to clarify some issues:
- I think it's completely normal that parents get worry about their children when moving to another country.
-Never said they need a Spanish Program. I said need an ESL program (English as Second Language) which is a program to inmerse them into English. Obviously they are going to a school in English. I didnt mention the opposite.
-I do speak, write and read English. I am not a native speaker, but can communicate with major problems.
You are showing concerns most informed parents would have and seem to just want what is best for your child.
What I would concentrate on is looking at the number of ESL specialists in a school if at all possible. What I have found in many different middle schools is that all the ESL students tend to be placed into the same class, regardless of individual abilities, because of lack of resources. I do not have any experience with this issue at the 4th grade level.
That may or may not be true where you are going. If you email the Broward ESOL department, I am sure someone can give you the answers you need. (http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/esol/) They call their program ESOL for English Speakers of Other Languages
You did not state your daughter's reading abilities in her native language. If there is a disparity, you may be able to qualify for extra help focused on the language issues, not on any reading difficulties.
At least 50% of the population in Weston speaks Spanish. Your children will do just fine there. My son had a problem because he doesn't speak Spanish. He went on a school field trip and was assigned a chaperone who spoke Spanish the entire time, as did the other 5 children in his group. You needn't worry.
Thank you very much msm_teacher!
Your post is exptremely helpful for me!
I'll concentrate my efforts in the language not only in reading. She can read in Spanish perfectly. You are completely right when you say to focus in the language issues.
I'll contact the Broward ESOL Department.
Thanks again!
Thank you very much msm_teacher!
Your post is exptremely helpful for me!
I'll concentrate my efforts in the language not only in reading. She can read in Spanish perfectly. You are completely right when you say to focus in the language issues.
I'll contact the Broward ESOL Department.
Thanks again!
Also, if she will be attending public school, then she will be accommodated as a non-native speaker, which means that, in accordance with U.S. law, the teacher must provide her with the means to understand her classes.
Unfortunately, some teachers accomplish this by handing non-native speakers a bilingual dictionary However, I would advise you to keep in regular contact with her teachers and to use EdLine (if available) as much as possible, especially if her teachers are conscientious about posting homework and tutorial websites.
If your daughter is immersed in English and has strong language skills (which it sounds like she does), then I wouldn't worry too much; just keep on top of her progress, make sure that she is understanding her assignments and utilize the support network at her school as much as you can.
Also, if she will be attending public school, then she will be accommodated as a non-native speaker, which means that, in accordance with U.S. law, the teacher must provide her with the means to understand her classes.
Unfortunately, some teachers accomplish this by handing non-native speakers a bilingual dictionary However, I would advise you to keep in regular contact with her teachers and to use EdLine (if available) as much as possible, especially if her teachers are conscientious about posting homework and tutorial websites.
If your daughter is immersed in English and has strong language skills (which it sounds like she does), then I wouldn't worry too much; just keep on top of her progress, make sure that she is understanding her assignments and utilize the support network at her school as much as you can.
It makes sense! Thank you!
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
However, I would advise you to keep in regular contact with her teachers and to use EdLine (if available) as much as possible, especially if her teachers are conscientious about posting homework and tutorial websites. 
