ESL (English as a Second Language) adds to ‘Iolani’s tapestry

It’s a Thursday morning in November and ‘Iolani eighth graders Lisa Nakayama ’13 and JunYoung Shin ’13 have arrived for their daily lesson in the ESL (English as a Second Language) cottage on the edge of campus.

Teacher Kathy Hanlon begins by asking them about their day and whether they have any questions.

Nakayama asks why isn't a screwdriver a wedge because it looks like a wedge?  And why is a knife a wedge rather than a lever?  
   
Hanlon takes her marker to the white board and begins to draw these two tools, explaining that a screw driver has a small wedge shape at its tip that’s inserted into the top of the screw, but its work is to turn the screw. It doesn't cut through the screw like a knife or a wedge cuts through cake.

“It’s a subtle difference based on the work you do,” Hanlon explains.

The difference may be small, but Hanlon’s delicate and detailed description embodies the enormous value of the ‘Iolani ESL program. Each student’s needs are addressed uniquely. Each student receives individual attention so that learning about cultural and semantic nuances is enjoyable, engaging and integrated with the ‘Iolani curriculum.

The ‘Iolani ESL program is an extension of the school’s founding mission to educate immigrant and non-native English speaking students. Over the years, the school’s mission has emphasized academic excellence while imparting a global awareness to students who represent the cultural and ethnic diversity of Hawaii. In 1990, then Headmaster Rev. David P. Coon appointed Donna Revard, then an ESL graduate student at the University of Hawaii, as ‘Iolani’s first ESL teacher.

‘Iolani’s ESL program is a highly specialized and individualized curriculum that aims to educate the whole child through language, academic, cultural, and social facets, reinforced by ‘Iolani’s mainstream resources and pedagogy.

The ESL curriculum goals include increasing students’ ability to comprehend and communicate effectively in oral and written English; comprehending and applying grade level content and knowledge, functioning appropriately in the ‘Iolani, Hawaii and American cultures, thinking critically and solving problems, studying effectively and efficiently. Students who are non-native English speakers enter the ESL program to acquire skills and knowledge that allow them to assimilate into the regular school curriculum. Most of the ESL students come from Japan, China, Korea and other Asian nations. Since the program's inception, 112 ‘Iolani students have enrolled in the program.

Today, teachers Johanna Guth and Kathy Hanlon comprise the school’s ESL teaching duo. They both have their master’s degrees in ESL education, have lived and taught overseas and possess a sensitivity, appreciation and understanding of different cultures and countries.

“ESL students are not only learning language and course content, they are learning how to become American students,” Guth says. “As they progress academically, we also want them to maintain their cultural identity (and) to become bilingual and bicultural.”

Hanlon and Guth also regularly communicate with ‘Iolani teachers who have ESL students enrolled in their regular classes. This cooperative teaching relationship is central to the program’s success. During the November 2008 election, sixth and seventh graders held debates. Guth and Hanlon assisted Shina Matsushita ’15, Daniel Jang ’14, Daisuke Nakayama ’14, and Azusa Suzuki ’14 in explaining the different perspectives of the rail transit issue on the Hawaii ballot so that they could better comprehend assignments in their social studies and geography classes.

Guth and Hanlon also meet with the parents of ESL students, heightening their awareness of how families can become involved with their children’s educational pursuits. ESL emphasizes a three-pronged approach, bringing the students, teachers and parents together to benefit the child.

Currently there are 12 ESL students at ‘Iolani in grades kindergarten through ninth grade.  Several ESL and ESL related students belong to sports and performing arts teams.  Takamichi Suzuki ’12 is on the JV tennis team. Former ESL students Myli Tomita ’16 and Lala Sagara ’17 dance on the Power Dance Team, while Kendall Huang ’09, Mitsuo Kinoshita ’09, and Kyle Kim ’11 play on the football, cross-country, track, and soccer teams.  Recent graduate SiWon Oak '07 participated in debate and now attends Duke University.

Born in Japan, Miho Shimizu ’07 moved with her family (including brother Leo ’06 and sister Lumi ’10) to Hawaii when she was two years old. All three Shimizu siblings began ‘Iolani as ESL students. Miho is now a sophomore majoring in physical therapy at the University of San Francisco.

“My parents didn’t speak any English and I remember going to ESL in kindergarten,” Miho says. “It was a good experience. The ESL teachers were a positive influence and I still stay in touch with them.”

Likewise, these students bring diversity and different perspectives to the student mix. “They add to the tapestry of ‘Iolani,” Guth adds.

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