Teaching writing to bilingual students is a challenge posed to many teachers today. More pressure is added to these students not only attempting to learn a second language, but how to write and communicate ideas through writing in a foreign language. Authors Pahl, Rowsell, and Danling Fu offer insight into teaching these students.
Pahl and Rowsell had an interesting article called Conceptualizing Artifactual Literacies: A Framework. In this article, the authors suggest that objects that people keep with them over time are important to defining who that person is. This is relevant for an English language learner. They will bring objects, or artifacts with them when coming to a new country. These artifacts, ranging from anything from toy cars to suitcases, build that person's identity. This influences writing as well. A child in elementary school learning English tasked with a writing assignment will most likely write about their favorite toy. An important quote I found from this reading was, "A text therefore is composed of visual as well as linguistic elements." People write from things they hold dear to themselves.
The chapters from Writing Between Languages book by Danling Fu had interesting information on ELLs. One thing I learned from this reading was that ELLs often find difficulty in expressing their ideas in writing English, so they copy sentences down to write. I found this interesting because this is a resourceful way to write. It is isn't the preferred method to write of course but I believe if I was attempting to learn a new language I would use this same strategy. Another point that Fu brings up is that non native English speakers need to practice writing in English consistently in order to become better. This is something to keep in mind when going into the field of teaching. ELLs will need a large amount of time to practice their writing, speaking, and reading English. Both authors gave me important insight into the world of English language learners.
I like how you pointed out how Fu says non native English speakers should be writing as much as possible in English in order to get better. It seems like many teachers will have those students write less because it is too hard for them. We just lower expectations rather than raise them. It feels like that would show the students their value to us.
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