From the title alone; Teaching Linguistically Diverse Children; it was well understood that there would be much to learn from this course. The semester so far has been jam packed with different field trips as well as weekly practicum working with the students of Apache Elementary School . With so much activity it would be impossible to not learn anything.

During the course of this semester there have been many community connections, ranging from a trading post, a teaching store, a school and even to a museum. Through this we have learned of the different people, different circumstances that make up the colors of life. These experiences teach us to independently see the world outside that will make up the tapestry that will one day make up our classrooms. These outings encourage our ability to confidently work with the diversity we will encounter.

Each field trip has been tied to some sort of knowledge required for Teaching Linguistically Diverse Children. During a trip to the library of San Juan College we built up our knowledge of different terms such as culture, assimilation and stereotype. This class had us delve deeper into the different aspects that affect a culture group. Understandably the chapter I have learned most from was the chapter for which I presented. The content of my own chapter was more deeply delved into then that of other chapters. The four partners involved in special education: parents, general education teacher, special education teacher and the bilingual teacher; the five components of special education lessons and even the information on gifted students are all aspects of this class that to which I am intimately familiar. Knowledge has been a large part of this class.

Our weekly practicum of working with the students at Apache Elementary has probably been one of the most beneficial aspects of this course. Our practicum has built the skills needed to work with students. Any problems, as I have had with my students, teach us how to differentiate our teaching methods to fit each student. Working with the students has increased our ability to encourage them in their work. It has given us a chance to learn how to teach. Of the different activities we’ve gone through this semester the practicum experience has been the most educational.

From my knowledge of working with students I knew that there were differences with each individual. Differences can be from their culture, their language, their family background, anything at all really. This course has emphasized that fact. From the days when I taught Sunday school I remember that patience is one of the most important skills a teacher can master; from this class I have learned that patience is in fact important, especially when changing a teaching method in order to fit a new student. Past knowledge has been reinforced through this course as well as the newer knowledge of many different cultures, people and places in our world.

             It has not been an easy class. I, normally, am a very structured learner that benefits from a set place, a set style. I have still learned a great deal, and accomplished every class and lesson to the best of my abilities. My best guess is that my grade ranges somewhere from a B to a low A. My difficulty with this class prevents me from guessing an exact score. Despite any complications I have learned a great deal. I have seen a great many places I never would have known existed without the aid of this class. I have had the opportunity to work with two wonderful students, another gift that I would not have had normally. This class and the opportunities offered have all been enlightening and enriching experiences.