I am Poems, by ELD 1 Students!

About the Book

English Language Development 1 Class is designed for newly arrived students who are learning English. Our students speak Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Persian, and Pashto. There are more than eight countries and cultures represented in the class.

The class focuses on learning survival as well as academic English. It is an anchor for them as they adjust to a new country, culture, and language.

These students work hard everyday navigating new systems, making new friends, and trying their best to succeed academically. They come with their own stories, strengths, art, jokes, and knowledge. They are integral to the school culture at Edendale Middle School.

For this book, students created “I Am” poems using house and family vocabulary as well as sensory and personality adjectives. After writing the poem in English, students then translated the poem into their home languages.

Special thanks to Ms. Patiño. She has supported the Newcomer program for several years. Without her, this book would not be possible.