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LANGUAGE SUPPORT

The aim of the Language Arts program at Pan American is to develop in our students the ability to understand and appreciate at least two languages, using them confidently for communication and learning in a variety of situations. We strive to address the particular challenges of those students who are learning in a language other than their mother tongue by providing integrated, well-implemented English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Portuguese as an Additional Language (PAL) programs starting in Primary School. We endeavor to integrate students’ cultural and linguistic heritage throughout the curriculum. Through a developmentally appropriate, differentiated approach, the dual language literacy program at Pan American guides students to become life-long learners, developing habits of mind, and communication skills that will allow for their fullest participation in a global society and an ever-changing world. 

What is Language Support? 

At PAS, Language Support is designed to ensure that all students regardless of their language background, have an equal opportunity to learn and succeed academically as well as socially and emotionally. This ultimately results in student well-being, through understanding and effective participation in class. In this context, English and Portuguese biliteracy skills are developed, building a solid foundation for language acquisition and contributing to comprehensive language skills.
Support is provided to all students who are acquiring English and/or Portuguese as an additional language.  The purpose of this support is:

  • To provide language instruction for students who enroll at PAS who are unable to understand the language(s) of instruction or who have difficulty accessing the academic program due to language;
  • To accelerate and support the learning of English and/or Portuguese so that students may be fully mainstreamed into the classroom;
  • To provide English and/or Portuguese support for students facing difficulties during Homeroom classes;
  • To support students until they have achieved the designated level of proficiency.

 

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The EAL program aims to facilitate English language acquisition for students who enroll at Pan American and are not yet proficient as well as accelerate English language learning for students whose academic English language ability is a barrier to their success. Our goal is that students integrate into the regular program and benefit from the rich learning experiences as soon as they are able to.

The EAL program supports English language learners in a variety of ways. Students who are beginning to learn English receive support and guidance to ensure that their language acquisition progresses successfully. Our program promotes academic language acquisition by integrating the four language domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Students receive content-rich curriculum and skill-based practices filled with high standards that prepare them for success in school and in life.

EAL classes in their initial stages are primarily one-on-one or in small groups, with some in-class support when necessary. to the student’s transition to the mainstream class. Once students develop beyond this initial stage, the EAL teacher works with the classroom/subject area teachers to support English learners in the classroom.

 

Portuguese as an Additional Language (PAL)

The PAL program supports foreign students who enroll in PAS and do not speak Portuguese. Our program benefits students who arrive in Brazil and need support to communicate with the local community. We provide students with lessons that will enrich their learning and ensure that they will have a successful journey in our school and in our country. PAL units are about the city, the state and the country, making sure the students also learn about the Brazilian culture while learning our language. Therefore, the student is also familiarized with Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul and Brazil during our classes. 

PAL lessons are primarily one-on-one or in small groups, with some in-class support when necessary. Our program promotes academic language acquisition by integrating the four language domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Our goal is that eventually these students have a broad understanding of the language and can communicate well in Portuguese, which will also enable them to attend regular Portuguese classes.