On Monday, October 24th, Dr. Shelley Fairbairn’s ESL endorsement students taking the “Language and Culture” class participated in an ESL Simulation conducted by the Urbandale Community School District. The students joined Urbandale educators and community members in activities focused on “life in a Second Language.” Participants were grouped into families and given tasks such as obtaining required school immunizations, enrolling students in school, and gaining employment – all in languages other than English!
Dr. Fairbairn commented that “this experience allows future ESL educators to understand the realities that English language learners and their families face. Many of my students thanked me for facilitating this opportunity – they clearly took away important learning about the needs of their future students.”
Photos of the simulation can be viewed by following this link.