It is a mistake to group all English as a Second Language Learners together because a common language or need to learn English does not mean that the students have anything in common. The teacher in the article sitting Bianca and Rosa beside each other was a prime example; it did not help either student. Even though both students were from Mexico they were probably from very different parts of Mexico with different values and beliefs. No students like to be singled out as different they all just simply want to fit in. A virtual backpack is a way to think of all of the different information each student brings with them into the classroom as a valuable resource. All students bring a variety of experiences with them that can be very useful in the classroom if we as teachers take the time and interest to find out the "funds of knowledge" each student is carrying in their virtual backpack.
Related Source
Michael Carlucci - Teaching English as a Second Language is the related source I chose. I love how he uses singing simple childhood songs as a way for even older students to learn english.
Good connection between funds of knowledge and a virtual backpack!
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