Academic vs. Social English. Learners typically acquire conversational skills related to social language more quickly than they acquire academic language skills. In fact, research has shown that it takes between five to seven years to achieve the same level of academic performance as the ESL student’s native speaker peers. The ESL classes at AISJ focus on building academic language skills. It is expected that students will continue to build these skills even after they are no longer in ESL classes.

Here are some tips for learning English and adjusting to AISJ:
 

• Continue to use and learn in your native language. Your development in your first language will help you in learning other languages.

• Read books in both languages. If you are a good reader in your first language, you are likely to become a good reader in other languages you study.

• Do your homework. It is an essential part of the curriculum at AISJ and it must be done promptly and carefully. Use an assignment notebook to help you organize your nightly homework routine.

• Speak English as much as possible during school and try to make friends with students of other nationalities.

• Be patient! In addition to learning a new language, you are adjusting socially and academically to a new school and community. At times, you will likely feel frustrated Allow yourself time to get used to AISJ.

• Recognize that you might go through a “silent period” while you are learning a new language. Most learners do. During this time, you are listening to the sounds of the language before attempting to speak it. This period can last up to several months and it is a normal part of language learning.

• Become involved in extra-curricular activities (athletics, drama, clubs, etc.). Involvement in school activities will help you become confident in English. It is a great way to make new friends, too!

• Share your ideas and experiences with your family and friends.

• Ask your teacher for help if you do not understand something. They are there to help you! If your parents have a question or concern, they, too, should call or e-mail your teacher.

• Participate in winter school at AISJ or in other programs in English-speaking countries to help build and maintain your English over the long school break. (June – August)