For children new to the United States, having to learn a new language can make school extra challenging. Helping English language learners at Plymouth’s Lincoln Junior High School is teacher Ryan Ahlrich. He explained the process to the Plymouth School Board last week.
Ahlrich said he doesn’t consider his class an English class, but rather a class about survival. He said that students with limited English skills face immense challenges every day, having to learn English terminology for a wide range of subjects.
To help them meet those challenges, Ahlrich uses what he calls a portfolio-based structure. Students have the chance to create their own specific language goals, such as matching cause and effect when reading, writing compound sentences, and being able to state their opinions.
Four of Ahlrich’s students then shared their accomplishments with the school board. Board members complimented them on their progress.
