Double Entry Journal #8

Question Responses:

• As in the story about Bianca, some students don't take pride in their culture. It's possible that they had a bad experience, or were told that America was so much better than where they came from, that they just completely let go of their culture. If someone doesn't embrace the language they've previously spoken, they're not going to want to help others by using that language. Farther on into the reading, they talk about students who speak the same language, but are from different areas. Spanish is spoken in multiple countries, and just like English, there are multiple dialects for the language. And lastly, it is never a good thing to single students out based upon race, gender, class, etc. 
• A virtual backpack is what a student brings with them on the inside. The items may include parts of their heritage, skills acquired from home/social situations, and the items that make them unique. The funds of knowledge is all about the social situations and outside skills that students bring into the classroom, and that is exactly what the virtual backpack contains. 

Resource:
I found an entire website that has games, worksheets, lesson plans, crafts, etc. that are all ways of teaching English as a second language to children. Click here to view the website for strategies for teaching English as as second language.