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Accommodating ELLs Who Primarily Speak Spanish

by Tonja Taylor
12/31/2022 / Education

The wicked flee when no man pursues them, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous are bold as a lion.--Proverbs 28:1, AMPC

To me, Spanish is a beautiful language, practical to learn (especially with the influx of thousands more Spanish-speaking families into the USA!), and is one of the easiest languages to learn, because there are many similarities between Spanish and English.

Also, knowing the LORD leads us by desire and what we're good at, and still having been interested in learning Spanish after at least 10 years, I decided to pursue learning more, especially to help my students.

Although my primary goal in learning Spanish was to advance the Gospel, I'd finally settled it that the LORD had called me to the ministry of education, and being bilingual in Spanish is a very useful and practical tool.

The LORD has a wonderful way of opening up conversations where He can be glorified, and I'd noticed that, when I'd used words or short phrases in Spanish with my bilingual students in various educational settings, it always seemed to bless them.

So, I was drawn to this student who needed a Spanish-speaking tutor.

I'd been learning Spanish off and on for a few years, and decided to be bold and apply to help a fifth grade Spanish student--who spoke no English, really.

I knew enough to communicate pretty well, although I figured that, for this 20-question exam, with many paragraphs of text which would also have to be translated, I could depend on the better online sites to help me.

Mainly, though, I depended on God's Word and His faithfulness to be my ever-present Help.

Moment by moment, He is with us, knows exactly what we need, and supplies it, when we lean on Him!

But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.--John 14:26, AMPC

I decided that, with El Senor Jesucristo--He Who created every language and people group, Who knows Español perfectly; Who has promised to always be with me and help me--would help me succeed and give this precious student exactly what she needed.

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].--Philippians 4:13, AMPC

Overall, the Spanish-speaking people are very warm, patient, and encouraging. They are big on God and family. They enjoy it when we English speakers learn their language.

(One thing to remember--which I wondered about until the LORD taught me--was that the children (and even some of the men, I've noticed) often are instructed to not look an adult in the eye, because it might be considered disrespect. So if the students don't look you in the eye, given them the benefit of the doubt, that they are working to be respectful. As long as they are following your instructions to the best of their abilities, then all should be well.)

So, gettting back to my new student: Things went even better than I'd thought they would, (Por supuesto--of course!), and we were all delighted (her parents included)! The LORD gave me strategies to help this little one, and we are making good progress.

That's the way Dios--God--works. It's always a win-win with Him!

Ask Him to open opportunities for you, and give you peace about the ones (and the people) you should be connected with. He is our good, good Father, our faithful Shepherd, and loves to help us!

If you are wondering if you can speak Spanish and be understood, I say, Si puedes hablar español y ser comprendida! Yes, you can speak Spanish and be understood!

Through books, courses, presentations, service, prayer, worship, and more, Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. Her series for girls, P.O.W.E.R. GIRL ADVENTURES, is now out (books I-V), along with LEGACY; YOUR HOLY HEALTH: VISIONS OF THE KING, and more. See the "River Rain Creative" YT channel.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

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