LEARNING SUPPORT

We aim for every child to be the best they can be and achieve to their potential. Sometimes there is a need to provide additional programmes to support the learning of individuals and groups of students.

Teachers use assessment information to group students according to learning needs in reading, writing and mathematics. Teachers and students will also co-construct personal learning goals in these areas.

These programmes are provided dependent on resourcing and personnel. Teachers and management make the final decisions as to who would benefit from these programmes.

Te Mataine ō Takohanga

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

ESOL - English for Speakers of Other Languages

The Target Road School ESOL programme provides a comprehensive and interactive learning programme to enhance the English Language Learner’s (ELL) use of English effectively for communication, social and academic needs through immersion in the four modes of English of listening, speaking, writing and reading.

TRS take the time to understand each ELLs language background, language proficiency, and experiential background. Each student and parent get to meet the ESOL teacher and the Principal before classes commence.

In the ESOL Programme, a number of learning tools and strategies are used, combined with technology, to support the ELL in the mainstream class.
TRS uses the Ministry of Education’s Ready to Read series which supports multiple pathways to literacy. The ESOL reading promotes independence with activities to build word attack skills and various reading strategies.

The ESOL programme focuses on numeracy to support the ELLs with the language of Maths.

The learning outcomes for ELLs are explicit - the ESOL programme scaffolds the learning for all ELLs.

TRS has clear identified learning outcomes - the teachers carefully identify what language the ELL needs to achieve success.

The ESOL room provides a nurturing, supportive, yet challenging environment for new learners of English.
Learning English is fun when it is meaningful and contributes to the student’s ability to use good learning strategies in the classroom.
The ESOL programme include timetables outside of the mainstream class, for the specific needs of each ELL.

Homework Sheets

The classroom teacher sets homework sheets and these may be brought to the ESOL sessions to help ELLs understand what is needed.

Classroom Topics

Classroom topics are also included within the ESOL programme. Communications with the classroom teachers is done on a regular basis. Inquiry learning is done over two terms - this challenges the ELL with language acquisition and research skills.

With the use of visuals, photos, pictures, maps and diagrams, there is plenty of opportunity for written and oral support.

ESOL Group Classes

ELLs are placed into an ESOL class with a varied and interesting programme and continued support using visual and concrete material for a varied and interesting programme.

Home Reading

Children are encouraged to loan ESOL readers to take home and share with family members. Time is allocated to check the reading levels and to conduct reading assessments.