11. Anita, a sixth-grade EL, is a newcomer about to start at Becker Elementary School. She has anxiety about starting school because of her low English-language proficiency skills. Which of the following is the most appropriate first step for the ESL teacher to take to help ease Anita's fears?
Answer: A
Taking the student on a tour of the school
Providing Anita with a tour of the school is a highly effective first step to ease her anxiety about starting at Becker Elementary School. This approach allows her to familiarize herself with the environment, which can reduce feelings of fear and uncertainty.
A) Taking the student on a tour of the school
This option is correct because a school tour can significantly alleviate a newcomer’s anxiety by giving them a chance to see the layout of the school, locate important areas like the cafeteria and restrooms, and understand daily routines. Such familiarity can help Anita feel more comfortable and confident in her new environment.
B) Having the student pass out books and homework
This option is incorrect as it places an immediate responsibility on Anita without addressing her anxiety. Engaging her in this way may increase her stress, especially since it requires interaction with classmates and could highlight her language proficiency challenges instead of easing her into the school environment.
C) Playing an icebreaker game
While icebreaker games can be beneficial for building relationships, this option may not be the most appropriate first step for Anita. Since she is already feeling anxious about her language skills, asking her to participate in a game could increase her stress instead of providing her with the necessary comfort and familiarity with the school setting.
D) Asking the student to introduce herself briefly
This option is also not ideal as it puts Anita on the spot to speak in front of others, which may exacerbate her anxiety about her English proficiency. Until she feels more comfortable in her new surroundings, asking her to introduce herself could add to her stress rather than help her adjust.
Conclusion
The best approach to help Anita ease her fears is to take her on a tour of the school, as it addresses her anxiety directly by providing her with familiarity and reducing uncertainty. Other options, while potentially beneficial later, do not adequately accommodate her current emotional state and may inadvertently increase her apprehension about starting school.