Gathering Backgroung information

I think that it is very important for the teacher to gather as much background information as possible for the purpose of helping an ELL child to learn. Teachers already have a challenge by having a non-English speaking student in his or her class and he or she should try to gather as much information about the child in order for learning to take place. In think that one of the ways teachers can gather background information is by speaking to the parents or guardians of the child. If there is a language barrier between the parents and the teacher then find an interpreter or find out if the school can provide a translator. The teacher can also speak to the guidance counselor if there is one or can speak to the secretary who enrolled the child. I f the teacher happens to speak the same language the child speaks then try to ask the student basic information about his or her education. In my particular case when I arrived to this country most of my classmates spoke my language which was Spanish. My teacher and I used them as our interpreters in order for us to understand each other and I found this method very effective. In general I think that gathering background information on a ELL child is fundamental in order to form an effective learning environment.