Language Immersion Program Helps Prepare ENL Students for School Year

A three-week language immersion program designed for beginning-level English Language Learners was completed last week at Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary School with great success. The program, which was conducted by teachers Bridget Sickles and Rosa Miele, focused on building vocabulary, communication skills, and confidence through engaging, hands-on activities.

Students explored a variety of themes, starting with American sports, including the Olympics, where they practiced using new words in fun and interactive ways. They also studied the five senses, learning to describe experiences in English through sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell.

Another highlight of the program was sequencing activities centered around American foods. Students followed simple recipes and prepared snacks with Mrs. Miele and Ms. Sickles, such as salads, pizza, strawberry shortcake, and ice cream sundaes, practicing both language and real-world skills during these activities.

The culminating project brought all of their learning together. Each student described their favorite food, wrote and illustrated the steps to prepare it, created a visual representation of the dish, and proudly presented it to the class.

“This final activity gave students the opportunity to apply their new vocabulary and speaking skills in a meaningful and creative way,” Ms. Sickles said. “The summer ENL program not only supported language growth but also fostered cultural connections, creativity and confidence for our young learners.”