A Question of How?

[Christian]

Let's suppose her child is age ten and has no knowledge of English;  What should one do in such a circumstance?  Should the child be home schooled for some time until some measure of ability is attained?  This is quite the practical question - esp. if her mother does not know the language very well either.  Any thoughts or suggestions or personal practical solutions?

Again Greetings,

Christian

[catzenmouse]

Hi Christian,

 Most school systems have various levels of ESL classes. Getting the child into the environment ASAP will speed up their transition. The mother would take her own ESL classes through a local church, community college, or other town/city resource. Check around to see what is available.

 You can also get books, tapes, CD's, and computer based lessons to assist the assimilation.

Ken

P. S. Welcome to RWD!

[Misha]

Let's suppose her child is age ten and has no knowledge of English;  What should one do in such a circumstance?  Should the child be home schooled for some time until some measure of ability is attained?  This is quite the practical question - esp. if her mother does not know the language very well either.  Any thoughts or suggestions or personal practical solutions?

Again Greetings,

Christian

If the child is ten, they should have no problems picking up the language with some help: ESL classes, a tutor. Within a year, they will be speaking fluently and will have no problems keeping up with the rest of the class.

[wxman]

IS she in the US yet? If not, while waiting to come to US, the child can take english classes at that age in her school. Also some english teachers in her country will teach english on a saturday for an extra fee if you want to get better results. The cost is not that much. She won't be fluent in english, but she will pick up some of the language and it may be a smoother transition to the ESL classes in the US.

[William3rd]

Immersion in the English language will quickly take care of any language disabilities. I agree with Ken.

[BC]

Immersion in the English language will quickly take care of any language disabilities. I agree with Ken.

Having observed 2 kids aged 10 and 8 start school with absolutely zero knowledge of the language here, and end up excelling within 1 to 2 years (even better than many of the local kids), I'm willing to bet that this issue is among the smallest you will face.

Welcome!

[Globetrotter]

I have a Polish friend who came here in her 20's, got her teaching credentials and has been an elementary school teacher ever since.  A Polish lady right off the boat had the same question about her 8 year old son.  She told the mother, just put your son in with all the rest of the kids.  He'll be lost for a month or 2, but after that, he'll be fine.

Kind of like throwing a non swimmer in the deep end of the pool...but she says it works. 

[WmGO]

kids can learn a foreign language faster than adults - don't worry, just put
them in the regular public or private school......

[Simoni]

Should the child be home schooled for some time until some measure of ability is attained? 

That's just the opposite of what is needed. 

The child needs to be immersed in the classroom with English speakers.  That's the fastest way to fluency.  Don't worry-- kids pick up the language really fast.

[Christian]

Many thanks to all who replied with such kind and experienced advice.  Total immersion with friendly helpful classmates as well as understanding parents seems like a brew for successful and healthful adjustment to culture shock.

Thanks again to all!

Christian

P.S.  Yes, it is good to be here.