# data[].attributes.headline
WB Spanish Translation Requests are located on the Staff page of the WBSD website. It is on the bottom and called "Translation Request."

# data[].attributes.subject
WB Spanish Translation Requests are located on the Staff page of the WBSD website. It is on the bottom and called "Translation Request."

# data[].attributes.headline
Contact Michelle Martinez at: mmartinez@wittbirn.k12.wi.us  to ask any questions about Spanish speaking families.                                   Michelle can help you to contact parents or relay important information.

# data[].attributes.subject
Contact Michelle Martinez at: mmartinez@wittbirn.k12.wi.us  to ask any questions about Spanish speaking families.                                   Michelle can help you to contact parents or relay important information.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
10. Pair your new student with a buddy! Ideally, this buddy would be a patient, kind role model who speaks the same language as your student (and can translate!). When this isn't an option, however, choose a patient, kind English-speaking classmate, who will be agreeable to helping your new student follow your directions.

9. Use lots of gestures and/or quick sketches! If you only use words, your new student will quickly become overwhelmed and/or bored. For example, if you are telling the class about your drive home from school the prior evening when you almost hit a deer, you might do this: "You'll never believe ( hands on cheeks) the scary thing that happened to me yesterday! I was driving home ( hands look like they are moving a steering wheel) when a deer (draw a quick sketch of a deer on the board) jumped (use your hands to indicate a bounding motion) in front of my car!" Don't think you could draw a deer? Ask a student to help by saying, "Tim, you're a good artist...would you come to the board and draw a quick sketch of a deer for Nafiso so she can understand what I am talking about?"

8. Utilize Google Images! I always have my iPad open to Google Images, and I am frequently typing in words to provide a necessary visual for my students. Take, for instance, a lesson where you are trying to teach your students the meaning of the roots - ped and - pod. Use Google Images to show your student what a pedestrian, pedal, tripod, podium, and centipede are, and discuss how they are all related to the word "foot." I can almost guarantee that this action will benefit many students in your classroom, not only your new ELL!

As an ELL teacher, I use Google Images frequently! Just last week, I was reading a task card with an ELL student about a bashful "flower girl." I was worried that this fairly new student from Africa would think it was referring to a female flower, so I popped out the iPad, opened to Google Images, typed in "flower girl," and then showed her the pictures. I used the photo in the upper left corner, and we discussed the American tradition of the bride choosing little girls to throw flower petals during the wedding ceremony.

I'm sure you know this, but it bears repeating: Exercise caution when using Google Images!!! There are times when you do an innocent search, and an inappropriate image is shown. I always turn the iPad so it is facing me only and enter the word I am searching for. Only after I have scanned the images for appropriateness do I turn the iPad to share the images with students!

7. Be aware of how often you use idioms like "hold your horses" and "he let the cat out of the bag" when you talk. These can confuse even advanced ELLs, but new students can be really stumped by them. You might even want to consider telling your other students to raise their hands when they catch you using an idiom! They'll learn to recognize idioms, and you will be able to take the opportunity to explain their meanings!

6. Speak slowly and clearly, especially when you are speaking directly to the new student.

5. Do not correct your student's errors when he/she attempts to speak in English. (I know it's tempting!) Rather, celebrate that he/she tried to communicate in English. If you have an opportunity, then model the correct way to say the phrase. For example, if your student tells you, "Mom have baby yesterday. Girl." then you can respond, "Really?!? Your mom had her baby yesterday? The baby was a girl? How exciting!"

4. Take small steps with writing. Writing is a tough subject for a newly-arrived student who doesn't speak English. Yes, many upper elementary students can write in their native language, but they quickly become bored writing for a non-existent audience, since most teachers do not track down an interpreter each day to translate their writing for them. I think it is wise to let them continue writing in their native language about twice a week. However, I also begin to teach them how to write simple English sentence structures soon after their arrival. I begin with teaching my new students color words (see the freebie below!), and this vocabulary provides the base for beginning the writing process! You see, once they learn the color words, they can write simple sentences! For instance, after I get my other students started on their writing assignment, I walk over to my new student's desk and help him/her find a writing notebook. I open the notebook to a blank page, and draw a large T on the page (forming a T-chart). I write, "I like _____________." at the top of one column, and "I don't like ________________." at the top of the other column. Then, students can write color-related sentences in the columns, like "I like green." or "I don't like pink."

Use sentence starters with new ELLs! They will learn important common sentence structures, and they will have an opportunity to use the vocabulary they have been acquiring!

Picture dictionaries also come in handy during writing. For example, on a following day, you might open the picture dictionary to a food page, and students can write, "I like blueberries." or "I don't like apples."

Other simple structures might include:

After students have learned basic verbs: I can jump. I can't swim.

After students have learned body parts and numbers: I have two brown eyes.

After students have learned clothing vocabulary: I am wearing a red sweatshirt.

After students have learned sports: I play soccer. I don't play tennis.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Deb's Top 10 Tips When You Are Assigned a Non-English Speaking Student! - Minds in Bloom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
10. Pair your new student with a buddy! Ideally, this buddy would be a patient, kind role model who speaks the same language as your student (and can translate!). When this isn't an option, however, choose a patient, kind English-speaking classmate, who will be agreeable to helping your new student follow your directions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
The Classroom | Empowering Students in Their College Journey

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Many schools have non-English speaking students enrolled. In Frederick County, Maryland, as of 2009, the schools have students enrolled who come from 60 countries and who speak 55 different languages. Schools who have a high influx of immigrant students often have a "newcomer" program designed to help students who do not speak any English. Other schools, however, may offer English as a Second Language classes once or twice a day and expect the students to attend regular classes the remainder of the school day. This is a difficult circumstance for both the student, who is often very confused, and the teacher, who must try to meet the needs of all of her students.

Learn how to pronounce the student's name correctly, and greet her each day, thereby helping her to feel comfortable in your class. Use simple phrases on a consistent basis, such as: "I'm happy to see you today" and "Sit down and get out your pencil," as the repetition will help the child to learn basic English phrases.

Seat the child next to a peer who can assist her with classroom tasks. Pair the student with a child who speaks her native language, if possible. Even if no such person is available, the student will benefit from watching how her partner completes the assignment.

Use visual aids while teaching. A child who speaks no English can still understand the locations of countries on a map, objects that are broken into fractions and other concepts.

Give the non-English speaking student alternate assignments that she can successfully complete and that reinforce the information you are teaching. For example, if the rest of the class is working on a series of history questions that require referencing the book, the English language learner can copy the words that are in bold and look them up in a translation dictionary.

Seat the non-English speaking student at the front of the class, so that she can easily see visual presentations and hear what you are saying. This will also enable you to guide her when you notice that she is confused. For example, if you notice she does not understand an instruction, you can point to the correct page, demonstrate how to fold the paper or whatever the case may be. If she is working with her peers, you can ensure that the students are not off-task.

Encourage the non-English speaking student by letting her know that you approve of her efforts. Students who hail from countries with a culture of high academic standards can become very stressed when they feel that they are not meeting the teacher's expectations.

Tip

If the student is completely unfamiliar with the English language, do not worry about copying, as it can be a helpful way for the student to learn how to write English words.

Tip

Ask the curriculum director at your school if academic materials are available in the student's native language. You can use these materials to provide alternate assignments.

Warning

Do not assume that the student has academic skills. Many immigrant students have not been educated in their home country, and they may not know how to hold a pencil, use a dictionary or understand academic vocabulary in their native language.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Help a Child Who Does Not Speak English in the Classroom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Many schools have non-English speaking students enrolled. In Frederick County, Maryland, as of 2009, the schools have students enrolled who come from 60 countries and who speak 55 different languages. Schools who have a high influx of immigrant students often have a "newcomer" program designed to help students who do not speak any English.

# data[].attributes.headline
Use an app like Google Translate to translate sentences or conversations in class.                                                  Please send all documents to be translated to Michelle! 

# data[].attributes.subject
Use an app like Google Translate to translate sentences or conversations in class.                                                  Please send all documents to be translated to Michelle! 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Use the Google Translate Mobile App

# data[].attributes.headline
Translating on a Google Doc for Class Assignments

# data[].attributes.subject
Translating on a Google Doc for Class Assignments

# data[].attributes.body
EL literacy will cover the basics of the English language and work on the acquisition of new words and phrases associated with school, home, food, basic conversations , and so much more. We will work on Social Emotional Learning to help with the culture shock that is often associated with moving to a new country. We will also work on acclimating our student to their new school with introductions to staff and students.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Ecuador is located in the western corner at the top of the South American continent. Ecuador is named after the Equator, the imaginary line around the Earth that splits the country in two. Most of the country is in the Southern Hemisphere.

Ecuador is roughly the size of Colorado and is bordered by Colombia and Peru. The high Andes Mountains form the backbone of the country. Cotopaxi in the Andes is the highest active volcano in the world.

The Galápagos Islands, 596 miles (960 kilometers) west of the mainland of Ecuador are part of Ecuador and are home to unique reptiles, birds, and plants. The Costa, or coastal plain region is where many of the world's bananas are grown. The Sierra is also made up of farmland. The Oriente is east of the Andes and is rich in oil.
Map created by National Geographic Maps

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Ecuador Country Profile - National Geographic Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Ecuador is located in the western corner at the top of the South American continent.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Interesting Mexico Facts for Kids

Here are some interesting Mexico Facts which were chosen and researched by kids especially for kids.

Population: 129 million people live in Mexico (2022)

Capital: Mexico City with 22 million inhabitants is the country's biggest city.

Name: United Mexican States (in Spanish: Estados Unidos Mexicanos)

Government: Democracy, Republic

Language: Spanish

Literacy: More than 95% of the population over the age of 15 years can read and write

Religion: Christians, mainly Roman Catholics (78%)

Currency: 1 peso = 100 centavos

Flag colors: green, white and red

National Symbols: golden eagle and national colours green, white and red

History: Mexico was conquered and colonised by the Spanish from the 16th century. The president of Mexico is Andrés Manuel López Obrador (since 2018, the next elections will be held in July 2024)

Mexico Facts | National Symbols

The flag is shows three bands in green, white and red. The emblem on the white ground shows an eagle standing on a cactus with a snake in the beak.

What do the colours in the flag stand for? The colours of the Mexican flag stand for independence, unity and religion. The legend describes, that the Aztec settled and built their capital city which they named Tenochtitlan, which is today Mexico City, on the place where they saw and eagle sitting on a cactus, eating a snake.
More about the meaning of colours in flags
Mexico Map and Geography

Mexico is located on the North American continent and shares borders with the USA in the North and Belize and Guatemala in the South.

The border between Mexico and the USA is the second longest border in the world and is about 3,155 km/ 2,000 miles long.

Below you can see a map of Mexico, click on the map to zoom in to see more cities and detailed information.

Mexico has mountains in the eastern and northern parts of the country, rainforests in the southern and eastern parts and deserts in the West.

Most of the bigger cities are located in the southern parts of the country. There are low coastal plains, high-rugged mountains and a high tableau in the centre of the country.

The climate varies from tropical climate to desert climate.

Mexico has four time zones!

Mexico is situated on the 'Ring of Fire', the world's most prominent volcano and earthquake region. However, the volcanos on Mexico's Baja California, a popular tourist destination, are mostly dormant.

The peninsula to the west of mainland Mexico is called Baja California. Over 120 species of cactus are growing there!

Mexico Facts | Geo Superlatives

Mexico has the world's largest Spanish speaking population and Mexico is also the second most populous country in North America - after the USA.

The highest peak in Mexico is a volcano. It is called 'Pico de Orizaba' or 'Volcan Citlaltepetl' and is 5,636 m/ 18,491 ft high. This is also the third largest volcano in Northern America.

The longest river in Mexico is the Río Bravo del Norte (also referred to as Rio Grande). This river begins in the southwestern USA and flows into Mexico.

The largest lake in Mexico is Lake Chapala near Guadalajara.

The "cardon cactus" is the world's biggest cactus! The Mexican giant cactus measures up to 21 metres/ 70 feet in height and can be seen in the deserts of Baja California. These cacti can live up to 300 years.

Landmarks and Attractions in Mexico

Mexico is one of the world's top travel destinations and for US travellers, Mexico is the top destination. And Mexico houses 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites! So much to explore in this North American country.

Mexicans love children, so families are always welcome everywhere! There are some great attractions for kids, among the most popular with families are:

Chichen Itza: built by the Maya people is a World Heritage Site and visited by more than one million people every year.

Acapulco: The bay on the Pacific Ocean is home to Mexico's most popular beach city with golden sandy beaches, lots of holiday resorts and known by families for it's magnificent water sports park. Mexico's busiest port is quite a sight too.

Oaxaca: Visit the archaeological site of the Monte Alban ruins, shop at the city's colourful market or marvel at the famous rock formations and bubbling waters at Hierve el Agua which means 'bubbling of the water'.

Mérida: The city's Mayan cultural heritage is displayed in the fascinating Mayan World Museum (Gran Museum del Mundo Maya), the Dzibilchaltún ruins and archeological site, as well as a rich colonial heritage as seen on the city's Plaza Grande and the main boulevard Paseo de Montejo or the Catedral de Merida.

Agave landscape at the foothills of the Tequila volcano: The blue agave plant is used to produce the famous tequila spirit. Agave plantations and tequila distilleries are dotted all over the region.

Mexico City: the capital city is built on the site of the former Aztec capital Tenochtitlan. Make sure to also visit the ruins of the ancient Aztec pyramids at nearby Teotihuacan.

Teotihuacan: The ancient city ruins of Aztec monuments such as the pyramids of the Sun and the Moon and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl are stunning. This was once the most most powerful centre in the Americas - only 50 km/ 31 miles north east of the capital Mexico City

Mexico Facts
Mexican People and Languages

Most people in Mexico speak Spanish. Mexico is the country with the most Spanish speakers in the world.

More people speak Spanish here than in Spain, because many more people live in Mexico and the country is also more than three times bigger.

Most Mexicans (80%) are Christians as Roman Catholicism was introduced by the Spanish colonists. La Virgen de Guadalupe (Virgin of Guadalupe) is considered the Patron saint of Mexico.

Mexicans are known as very friendly and welcoming foreigners, they are really fond of kids. Mariachi are the popular musicians who play folk music. They mainly use string instruments, but also trumpets are sometimes played. The groups are often invited to play at birthday parties, weddings and other family celebrations.

On 1 and 2 November the Mexicans celebrate the Dia del los Muertos, a special festival to remember the deceased members of the family. The family gathers around the homes and in the graveyards and there are many decorations to remember the family members that have passed on.

Famous Mexican are among many others: the actress Selma Hayek, the guitarist Carlos Santana and the soccer players Javier Hernandez and Guillermo Ochoa.

Mexico Facts | Mexico Animals

Mexico is one of the most bio-diverse countries on earth. The country has the most reptile species in the world housing over 700 reptile species and also has the second most (over 430) mammal species in the world.

In Mexico, there are jaguars, pumas and huge iguanas. Whales, manta rays and manatees are common in the oceans and can sometimes by spotted of the Yucatan coast. In the jungles of southern Mexico, one can encounter various types of lizards, monkeys and colourful birds, such as parrots.

More Mexico Facts:
Mexico Economy

Mexico's main trading partners are the USA, which is the most important parter for exports and China and Japan who also sell many products to the Mexicans and thus are Mexico's biggest import partners.

The main exports from Mexico are corn (maize), oil, fruits and vegetables, silver, coffee, cotton.

Oranges are the most popular and most consumed fruit in Mexico (2021)

Mexico's largest cities are:

Mexico City: more than 22 million inhabitants

Guadalajara: about 4 million inhabitants

Monterrey: about 4 million inhabitants

Tijuana: about 2 million inhabitants

Did you know that Mexico is the second largest city in the western hemisphere? Only Sao Paolo in Brazil is bigger!

Mexican Food

Chocolate, chilies and corn come originally from Mexico.

The main staple food is corn and rice, fruits and vegetables, chicken, pork, beef, lamb and along the coastal regions also seafood. Chilli peppers are usually among the main ingredients in many Mexican dishes.

One dish many of you will think of is ' chilli con carne', a dish with spicy mince meat and kidney beans but this is not really a Mexican dish, but only a Mexican-style dish!

Instead enchiladas, tortillas and tacos are typical Mexican dishes and very popular in Mexico!

Other typical Mexican food:

guacamole: avocado dip made with mashed avocados, salt and lime or lemon juice, often also with chilli peppers

tortilla: Mexican corn or wheat flour flatbread is eaten with almost every dish. A tortilla is usually filled with meat, cheese, potato or vegetables

tostada: crunchy tortilla that has been fried in oil

enchilada: stuffed tortilla that has been baked in chilli sauce

nachos: tortilla chips often served hot with melted cheese or spicy mince sauce, usually eaten as a snack

tamales: stuffed and steamed dough pockets wrapped in banana leaf or corn husks

pan de muerto: sweet bread roll baked for the 'Day of the Dead' which is celebrated on 1 and 2 of November

chile verde: stew cooked with lots of spicy green chilli

elote: the Mexican version of 'corn on a cob', a popular street food

Did you know that...?

Hot chocolate was considered the sacred drink by the Aztecs!

Mexico Facts | Resources

Central Intelligence Agency. "Mexico." WorldFactBook. Last updated 24 October 2022. Last accessed 29 October 2022

The Associated Press. "Mexico Population Rises to 126M." . 25 January 2021. Last accessed 29 October 2022

Embassy of Mexico in the UK. "Symbols of Mexico." . Last accessed 29 October 2022

FactZoo: "Mexican animals in pictures ." Last accessed 29 October 2022

Popular Pages

Picture credits on Mexico Facts: own or shutterstock.com Return from Mexico Facts to Kids-World-Travel-Guide Homepage

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mexico Facts for Kids | Mexico Attractions | Food | People | Geography

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our Mexico Facts for Kids will provide information about the geography, the people and the culture of the North American country.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Table of Contents

vertically striped green-white-red national flag with a central coat of arms featuring an eagle, a cactus, and a serpent. The flag has a width-to-length ratio of 4 to 7.

The struggle for Mexican independence took place under a number of flags, but, when it was finally achieved in 1821 under the conservative Iguala Plan, a tricolour of green-white-red was officially established. This design may have been influenced by the French Tricolor, but the colours were distinctively Mexican. Green symbolizes independence, white is for the Roman Catholic religion, and red is for union-the "Three Guarantees" of Iguala. That political compromise allowed Mexico to free itself from Spain while preserving the supremacy of Roman Catholicism and of the social system in which the privileged Creoles ruled over those of mixed ethnic background and the Indian majority.

The central emblem on the tricolour shows in graphic form the foundation myth of the ancient Aztec empire. The scene depicted is the one that the Indian founders of Tenochtitlán (now Mexico City) supposedly saw in 1325, which met their prophecies of the predestined site for their capital-namely, an eagle with a snake in its beak standing on a cactus growing out of rocks in the middle of water. Various artistic renditions of this scene have been utilized over the years by different regimes to symbolize both Mexican nationality and adherence to changing political philosophies. For example, from 1821 to 1823 and from 1864 to 1867, Mexico was an empire and the eagle on the flag was crowned. The current version of the arms shows a wreath of oak and laurel tied with a ribbon in the national green-white-red colours. This version of the flag was made official on September 17, 1968.

Whitney Smith

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Flag of Mexico | Colors, Symbolism, and History

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Vertically striped green-white-red national flag with a central coat of arms featuring an eagle, a cactus, and a serpent. The flag has a width-to-length ratio of 4 to 7.The struggle for Mexican independence took place under a number of flags, but, when it was finally achieved in 1821 under the