VBlog Entry #2
VBlog Entry #2
Speaking with my mom over her English learning experience was very interesting as it gave me a better understanding of what she went through as an English Language Learner (ELL). My mom spoke about how she used American music and speaking with English speaking family members as a huge part of her learning to speak English. As you can tell by watching the video, she still has a strong accent and she still struggles with reading and writing as she attended very little time in American schooling. Though she did not have traditional time learning to speak English, she continued to learn by working through daily activities, which similarly enough, is how she exposed me to Spanish when I was younger.
Though my mom did not start learning English until she was a young adult, I believe she has proved the 'critical period hypothesis' wrong for the most part. The 'critical period hypothesis' states, "language learning must take place during early childhood if an individual is to attain "native-like" proficiency" (Wright 2019). I believe my mom is able to speak clearly, of course with a bit of an accent, but she is knowledgable with what she wants to say and what others say to her.
I believe my mom also learned English at a good rate due to the 'Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis'. When my mom would be listening to her English speaking family or music that was in English, she would be unconsciously learning new words or phrases. Slowly, she would begin using the 'Input (Comprehension) Hypothesis' by "understand[ing] messages or obtain[ing] comprehensible input" (Wright 2019) from the songs she was signing and conversing with her English speaking family members.
I believe it is important for all students, no matter what age they come into the classroom at and no matter what their English proficiency is, to have all appropriate materials they need in order to succeed when it comes to learning English. I will make sure my students do not feel they are behind by providing them with different resources such as a place to listen to music in English or view conversations in English that will help them become more proficient in English speaking.
Wright, Wayne. (2019). Foundations for Teaching English Language Learners: Research, Theory, Policy, and Practice(3rd.). Philadelphia, PA: Caslon.
Hi Adelaide! I really enjoyed watching your interview with your mom as I found it both sweet and interesting. Just like your mom, mine learned English primarily through music, but did not come to America until her early 20's. I also like how your mother was able to prove the critical hypothesis wrong as she can speak the language well! I truly agree that by surrounding yourself with people speaking (or singing) in the English language, people learn new words or phrases. Just like you, I want to ensure my classroom environment is one where my students feel comfortable and have all the resources needed to succeed!
ReplyDeleteHey Emily!
DeleteThank you for your reply on my VBlog! I think it is so interesting that our parents used American music to learn English. The Input/Comprehension Hypothesis truly highlights on the way our mother's learned English through music as they got understanding from "understand[ing] messages or obtain[ing] comprehensible input" (Wright 2019).
Very good point about your mom receiving comprehensible input through music. She and I are both from Mexico City. She sounds like a really nice person.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dr. Monroy! My mother really proved that you can learn English through many different ways and I would like to include the way she learned in my classroom if I am to have ELL students. I think using the Input/Comprehension hypothesis in my classroom with music will be extremely beneficial for my students.
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