Any ideas for new student who speaks no english?

I have a new student who speaks no english and never went to school in his home country (3rd grade). I have 1 other student in my room who speaks his language. I need to get him into a routine but not sure how. So far I have him using various letter/picture cards, a kindergarten book of various skills, a handwriting book and online using starfall.com. Anyone have any other suggestions? Last week was exhausting worrying about him and I'm dreading tomorrow :(

TIA

Re: Any ideas for new student who speaks no english?

are you getting any help/ideas from your school ? (ESL Teacher?)

have you tried any other teacher chat forums ?

what a tough situation, I hope you get the help you need.

Re: Any ideas for new student who speaks no english?

www.starfall.com
(amazing website- make sure you have headphones!)

leapfrog!

and picture/word flashcards


can you pair him up with another student who speaks the same language as a buddy?

Re: Any ideas for new student who speaks no english?

We have a fundations (phonics) program in our building for special education students. I had a similiar situation. I have my little girl going to fundations everyday for forty minutes. It has made a tremendous difference. I also gave her a notebook with a different letter each night. We worked on the sound during Guided reading and she had to draw a picture of something that started with that letter. She was lucky because her sister was in this country longer and speaks english. That helped a lot. She came to me knowing no letter sounds. Now she knows all her sounds and is just beginning to write sentences. I teach second grade. She also goes to ESL for two periods a day. Good luck.

Just wanted to comment that starfall is an outstanding website.

Message edited 2/4/2008 7:36:24 AM.

Re: Any ideas for new student who speaks no english?

All great ideas being given on here. He should also be going to ESL 360 minutes a week. You can meet with the ESL teacher, he/she might have some other materials/ideas for you. Basic math might be useful as well. Many students who have lacked schooling in their home countries don't have basic math skills.