Page 58 - The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9-12: English As a Second Language and English Literacy Development, 2007

THEONTARIOCURRICULUM,GRADES9–12 | ESLandELD
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HEALTH AND SAFETY IN ESL AND ELD
Students who are recent arrivals from other countries may need special health and safety information while they are learning the language of instruction. The ESL and ELD program should include health and safety topics, especially in Level 1 and 2 courses. For example, students should learn to read warning signs and notices and respond appropriately to them, and should be made familiar with emergency procedures at school and in the community. Some newcomer students who are adjusting to new foods and ways of buy- ing, storing, and preparing food need information about nutrition and food shopping (e.g., expiry dates, nutritional labelling). Other topics that should be covered include appropriate names for parts of the body and biological processes, and health-care serv- ices. It is important to value cultural differences in these areas while ensuring that stu- dents receive key information related to their health and well-being.
Beginning learners of English in courses in technological education, social science and humanities, health and physical education, the arts, and science will need special instruc- tion regarding safety procedures. A peer who speaks a student’s first language or a shared common language may be partnered with the newcomer to provide assistance when necessary. Signs and notices in students’ own languages and/or visual illustrations of safety procedures will also be helpful.
Emotional health is as important as physical health and safety. The experience of immi- gration, even in the best of circumstances, involves feelings of loss and disorientation for many. ESL and ELD programs should include topics related to the adjustment process that students experience during their first few years in a new country. As well, teachers need to be especially sensitive to the special needs of students who have experienced the effects of war, the death of family members, family separation, and traumatic flight from situations of extreme danger.
Health and safety issues may come to the fore when learning involves field trips. Out-of-school field trips provide an exciting and authentic dimension to English lan- guage learners’ school experiences. They also take the teacher and student out of the predictable classroom environment and into unfamiliar settings. Teachers must preview and plan activities and expeditions carefully to protect students’ health and safety.