In speaking, we are developing our BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills) so that we can convey our thoughts, ideas, needs, and wants to those around us.  This social language is what we use in our day-to-day communication at school, on the playground, in the classroom when talking with friends, and with our peers in a casual setting.

ESL students also receive instruction with language acquisition strategies which help develop Academic Language Proficiency or the content / curriculum / objectives of the student's present grade level.  Academic English is the language necessary for success in school and is more demanding and complex than social English.  Vocabulary, both spoken and that found in reading text, is developed through rich literature, class discussions, pictures, real-like objects and experiences.

In reading, we make predictions, read stories (fiction and non-fiction), have discussions, and then summarize what was read in the text.  Our reading skills help us learn about the world around us.  We are very proud of our ESL learners and their many accomplishments.  It is, indeed, a privilege and a pleasure to teach the precious ESL students here at Dooley.