[CALIBK12] Labeling books: my English Learner Collection

[Christine Morgan]

The discussion of labeling books to designate reading levels interests me,
although my situtation is different.  I am at a high school with a large EL
population.(60% of our students do not speak English at home)  We have many
Newcomer classes, including students who are pre-literate in any language,
mostly Mayans but also many Spanish-speakers with only a couple of years of
school behind them.  Toss in students who may be literate, to various
extents, in Arabic, Hindu, Mandarin, Viet Namese,etc. but are just learning
English. Of course, these kids run the whole gamut  of intellectual
abilities, learning abilities,  previous schooling, family literacy and so
on.  What they have in common is they are just beginning to learn to read
English.

   Over the last 12 years, I have a created a  special EL collection (which
I originally called Newcomers Library, and am now stuck with, to my regret,
as most of these kids are not formally designated as Newcomers) , shelved in
a separate section, ranging from picture books through maybe 4th or 5th
grade reading level, emphaisis of course on high interest level.  Every
picture dictionary I can find is there, from the kindergarten kind through
Oxford. Most of the books are culturally relevant : myths, legends,
geography, history, traditions. (all cultures, including American) Many are
Spanish or bi-lingual  (the "best-sellers")  We have big tough-looking 17
year olds carrrying around My Very First Picture Dictionary and
kindergarten picture books .

   When the Newcomers  first visit the library, I  level with them:  I know
these are children's books.  I know you are mature young adults, with vast
and varied life experiences, interests,  and goals.  I have enormous respect
for your willingness to do whatever it takes to learn English. I do not
consider you to be immature just because you are reading children' books; in
fact, these books are well-written, beautifully illustrated,  and will be
enjoyable and interesting to you.  You may want to read aloud to the younger
kids in your families, which would be very helpful to your own  language
acquisition.  I hope you are proud to be borrowing and reading library
books.  With this practice, you will progress to reading regular high school
books.

    I tell them that when I was studying in Germany, I brought my reading
level up to par by reading childen's books, especially fairy tales.  We talk
about the lack of school libraries (or any libraries) in their home
countries. These kids are very cognizant of what a privlege it is to be able
to borrow all the books they want, for FREE.  They just  get over any
feeling of embarrassment about the reading level. There is no stigma
attached to this.  Right now I have 3 big football player types  (Haitian,
Pakistani, Guatemalan)   making flash cards from a picture dictionary,  at
the same table with their buddies reading regular high school books. They're
all CHILL!

  And the best and latest news: I have received a grant of $5,000 from the
Milagro Foundation, here in San Rafael,  to develop this collection. I would
greatly appreciate any ideas and recommendations you, my fellow LMTs, might
offer.

  Christine

  Christine Morgan MLIS

  Library Media Teacher
  San Rafael High School Library
  185 Mission Ave
  San Rafael CA 94901
  (415)485-2354

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