In class, we are not yet communicating at more than a basic introduction, salutation, and using simple sentences with vocabulary words we have learned. Learning the meaning of words, phrases, and definitions will definitely be a big part of the learning process.
I joined the Arabic Club and have been arriving to class 1-2 hours early in order o meet with the club and with my classmates to go over our homework and to practice speaking. One of the girls in class, a native Arabic speaker, set up a group chat and said she is open to helping us with homework questions though text and available be to meet with us before class. This has been a big help. I think having this support in a "non-graded" setting helps lower one's affective-filter and creates a safe place to make attempts without feeling like you're in the classroom spotlight .
In reflecting on how such a space could help our multilingual students, I think a Language Club/English Club that is not a graded tutorial or necessarily teacher-led would be helpful. Students could help each other, bring their homework assignments, corrections for tests, and practice conversations through use of one-act-play, reading aloud, listening to audiobooks, having a book club, and playing board games to name a few.
I know I need to dedicate more time to studying and practicing since the lessons
in order to not forget what I have learned so far and to help build my language acquisition.
