Non-English Language Learners

Like many other schools, mine has more and more Hispanic children every year. Often, these students are bi-lingual (a talent I wish I had!), but sometimes, the children have just moved to this country, and have never been exposed to the English language. I have just such a first grade student this year! He's a very nice boy, but he did not know a single word of English when he and his older brother (a fourth grader) started school this past August. At first, the younger boy would be kicking, screaming and crying in the mornings (and I would have to get his older brother to literally drag him into the school!). After the inital culture shock had worn off, he calmed down to the point where he was able to participate in music class! I'm very happy to report that some of the first English words he has ever spoken include "Blue" "Jello" "Rest" and "Pineapple!"