Math Mentors

Aside from teaching students the technical part of the English language, it is also important to build their self confidence.  During math, I have rotations where I pull small groups to work on specific areas of need.  At the same time, my English Language Learners are placed in the position as math mentors.  There are small groups that focus on different "tutorials" where students can attend these groups.  I find the strength of that child in math and I use it so he/she can act as a mentor to other students.

I find their confidence and oral language skills greatly improve after having the role of math mentor. No student has ever refused being offered the role of math mentor.  The students take the role of the teacher and have to explain the math problems/strategies to the other students in the group.  Students love when it is their turn to be math mentor.