"Although focused on the Chinese experience, this is a book that shows how to help new language learners
from any country through a frank and honest approach."
--Donald H. Graves, Author of The Energy to Teach and A Fresh Look at Writing
"Danling Fu shows us very specifically what is possible when we approach our teaching with empathy, patience,
and faith."
--Maureen Barbieri, Steinhardt School of Education, New York University
Publisher Web Site, March, 2004
Summary
Newly arrived Chinese immigrant students face the hardest imaginable situation in the classroom: most often,
this is the only place where they can listen to and practice English, having little if any opportunity to do so
at home. The burden is then on the teacher to further these students' English education and at the same time create
a classroom environment that appreciates and respects their culture and language.
Danling Fu has experienced these difficulties firsthand as a teacher, as a student, and as a parent. In An Island
of English, she brings together her extensive research in New York's Chinatown, where she worked as a literacy
consultant at the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Middle School, her personal story as an immigrant, and the stories of her son
as an immigrant student. She extends her findings to other immigrant populations and applies her keen research
talents to devise practical recommendations for educators and policymakers.
Table of Contents
Introduction-Work of a Team for Change
The New Chinese Immigrants and Their Lives in Chinatown
Content Knowledge and Bilingual Education-Preparing Students for Learning and Living in America
Developing Students' Oral English Language Ability
Teaching Students with a Wide Range of English Language Abilities
