Sierra Oaks K-8 gives newcomer students a space to share their stories

For students learning a new language, finding opportunities to share their own stories can be just as important as building their language skills.

At Sierra Oaks K-8 School, English Language Development (ELD) teachers Lisa Slaughter and Rebecca Hughes created an assignment that allowed their middle school students to practice English while sharing more about themselves, their cultures and their experiences.

Inspired by student presentations shared during a staff network meeting, the teachers provided students with a slideshow template and invited them to make it their own. 

Seventh grader Behishta embraced the opportunity, sharing her immigration story, culture, traditions, favorite foods, challenges and personal reflections.

For Slaughter, the assignment was about more than language development. It created a space where students could learn from one another, build connections and feel a sense of belonging.

Watch the video to learn more about Behishta and Slaughter's assignment.