Extracurriculars and their Benefits for English Language Learners

Presenter(s)

Isabelle Donovan

Abstract or Description

English language learner students are still kids and kids deserve to enjoy their time in and out of the classroom. The lack of availability of extra-curriculars English language learner students feel comfortable participating in is something that can be changed. English language learners not only feel like they cannot participate because there is not a program they feel comfortable participating in due to lack of interest but, they may not feel comfortable participating because their English is not up to the level of their peers. Both these factors should be taken into consideration when designing programs for English language learner students. Developmentally, organized activities for children play a key role in an overall healthy mental and physical lifestyle into adulthood (Denault, Poulin 2019). This is also the case for children who are English language learners. A possible program specifically for the benefit of English language learner students is a bilingual volunteer program. This program would have English language learners mixed with bilingual students to work as translators and teammates. This would not only give English language learners support within these activities but, a chance to practice social skills as well (Ornelas 2009). This type of program is currently implemented in some schools but, a more widespread school program is lacking. Another way schools can work to help English language learner students feel more comfortable participating in any extra-curricular is to have club meetings, sporting events, and any other school program presented in their native language (Ornelas 2009). If an English language learner student wants to participate in an extra-curricular the first step a school should take it letting the students know about the programs in a language they understand.

English language learners benefit greatly from extra-curriculars because it allows them more social interactions, experiences, and helps them feel more like a part of the school community (Ornelas 2009). It has been found through research that when the English language learners feel isolated from community activities it disenfranchises them as well as, making it harder to create new relationships with peers outside of English language learner programs (Przymus 2016). Research also shows that to break the ethnic grouping of children within themselves, extracurriculars work as a possible outlet for positive new peer relations (Juvonen, Knifsend 2016). Understanding why students might stray away from social outlets based on ethnicity or abilities is key in helping get those same kids into these activities (Juvonen, Knifsend 2016). An example of an English language learner who benefited from extra-curricular programs not only with their social skills but, English skills as well is Sean Pang. Sean said sports was a big part of his immersion into extra-curriculars and he was super involved so he could pick up the culture of his community (Colorín Colorado 2023). It was also noted in a video interview with Sean that some of the factors that need to be taken into consideration for extra-curricular programs and English language learners is cost, transportation, and accessibility (Colorín Colorado 2023).

As someone who participated in many extra-curriculars as a child, I understand how beneficial they can be when trying to assimilate within a new school and community. As a teacher, I want to make sure all my students feel welcome, even when they are not in my classroom. Having extra-curricular activities available and more accessible for English language learner students who may not have confidence in their English yet is something that I believe is important. Schools are places for students to learn but, they are also places for children to grow in social and emotional skills. I believe that well-rounded students make well-rounded citizens and extra-curriculars should have similar importance when discussing English language learners school experiences. Even as a teacher outside of these programs I can make sure that they are announced and acknowledged within my classroom and English language learner students are well aware of the opportunities available to them in and out of the classroom.

Mentor

Dr. Sarah Thomas