New Student Headache/Blessing

At about 8:30 yesterday morning, there was a slight knock on my door. Outside were two women and a little girl, one of the women holding a pink slip signifying an enrollment. I quickly learned that this particular student spoke no English. She stepped silently into my classroom and grasped my hand desperately as I guided her to her seat. Luckily, I had cleared the desk of a withdrawn student the night before so there was a place for her. Also, this space happened to be next to one of my Spanish-speaking sweethearts who was more than willing to help our new class/family member adjust.

I have forgotten over the summer how taxing it is to have a monolingual in the classroom. Last year, I had two: Jose, a student who was unmotivated and silent, unwilling to participate (he left a month after his enrollment) and Cipriano, one of my all-time favorites (yes, it's true: teachers have favorites). This little boy was set in learning English. He was focused and hardworking; refusing to let others help him by translating. He ended up being able to speak and read English pretty well before his family was forced to leave the area in February. I cried when he left.

This new student, Karla, is absolutely precious. She speaks to me in Spanish frequently: "Maestra! Maestra! Blah blah blah lots of Spanish!" I can understand a lot of what she says, but my personal Spanish word bank is very small. I know the Spanish for my numbers up to 10, party, beans, men, cheese, and a couple of colors. I am pleased she is comfortable enough to talk to me, even if it's not in my native language. Luckily, my kids are quick to come to her aid. It's almost heartbreaking to see her looking up at me with her huge brown eyes and a smile, pointing and asking, "Si, maestra? Si???"