Learning English

English as a Second Language (ESL) and English Literacy Development (ELD) Programs

All students learn at different rates, even two children in the same family. Within one or two years, most newcomer students are able to use English to communicate in day to day situations. However, students may require from five to seven years to develop the ability to read, write and understand complex material in class at the same level as their English speaking classmates.

When they come to Canada, most newcomer students are proficient in their first language but may have limited English skills. Some students are born in Canada but begin learning English when they start school. English as a Second Language (ESL) programs help these students catch up to their English speaking classmates.

Some students have missed a considerable amount of time in school or have not learned to read or write in their first language. English Literacy Development (ELD) programs help these students develop their reading and writing skills in English.

All children who are learning a new language move through a series of stages as they learn English. Contact your child’s teacher for information on your child’s stage and how you can help.

For more information on the stages of learning English, see:
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/curricul/esl18.pdf
(Adobe Acrobat format, 500 KB)

Types of ESL / ELD Programs

The school may offer one or more of the following types of ESL/ELD support. Your child may:

• get extra assistance from their classroom teacher.
• work with the ESL/ELD teacher in the classroom, or
• leave the classroom to work with the ESL/ELD teacher

Suggestions

• Talk with your child in your first language. Provide opportunities for your child to continue learning his or her first language while learning English. Children who express themselves well in their first language find it easier to learn English.
• Encourage your child to continue to read and write in his or her first language. Teachers find that students who read and write well in their first language learn to read and write English more quickly. They also find that students are more able to keep up in science and math. Many public libraries have multi-lingual book, tape and video collections.
• Encourage your child to participate in group activities with other students after school where he or she will be speaking in English.

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