[CALIBK12] Labeling books: my English Learner Collection

[Sandy Patton]

You go, girl!
Sandy Patton

>>> "Christine Morgan" <cmorgan at srcs.org> 10/03/07 11:05 AM >>>

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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