Jim's note to teachers says he gives this kind of letter to students to encourage them
and to put in a plug for adding a new language. Other teachers could use Jim's letter or adapt it to your students' needs.
April 9, 1996
Dear Students,
When you were children, you learned Spanish.
You listened to your parents.
You listened to other people.
Everyone spoke Spanish, or the Mayan langauge.
You learned langauge by listening.
Now you are learning English.
When do you use English?
Do you use English a work?
Do you use English at home?
Do you use English to talk to your friends?
Do you only use English in class?
One student told me she came to the United States in 1989.
She said, "I'm stupid. I still don't know English."
I said, "You are intelligent."
I said, "Be patient."
I said, "You learned Spanish because you used Spanish every day of your life."
I said, "Do you use English every day?"
She said, "No. I only use English in class."
The Spanish language is beautiful.
The Spanish language is part of your culture.
The Spanish language is part of your blood.
I hope you will never forget your language.
I hope you will never forget your culture.
I also hope you will learn English.
I hope you will use English every day.
I hope you will learn to read and write well.
I will help you.
Your friend and teacher,
Jim
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