ESOL classes are held for students who speak another language at home and have been in New Zealand for less than four years. Ruth Mitchell, who teaches Year 3 to 6, is one of the EOSL-trained teachers at Avondale Primary.
Students are withdrawn from classes several times a week. The main focus of lessons is Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Classroom topic studies are supported by work with vocabuary and writing styles.
Homework is usually reading or written work that supports the lessons and must be returned the following day. This forms an important link with the parents and classroom teachers. It is recommended that children read to three different people at home and then close the book and retell the story in their own words. Children gain confidence and make new friendships when working with small groups.
Mrs Mehaffy takes the students in the Junior School for ESOL lessons in class.
