Master Gardeners and ESOL Students
Create a Butterfly Garden

by Katy Vanderhoef

If mathematics is the universal language, master gardeners believe that the "love of gardening" is the second universal language. Many students in my ESOL class were experienced gardeners in their native countries but lack knowledge of the local horticultural conditions or of the related vocabulary. Their limited English skills make it difficult to gain this knowledge in traditional ways.

Ten students worked with Sally Johnson and Joyce Spindler (master gardeners from the University of Florida) during weekly visits. This project allowed the students to gain information and vocabulary of their specific interest area in an informal setting. The master gardeners worked with the students on each step of planning, planting, and maintaining the project.

The students felt pride and accomplishment in something they had done for their school. The students, staff, and visitors have enjoyed the beauty that was created in partnership with the University of Florida master gardeners and Shaw Adult Center students.

Picture This for ESOL

by Katy Vanderhoef

Using technology in a fun and inter-esting way is a challenge in some classroom situations. The digital camera can be a great way to introduce some students and some teachers to the world of technology.

Taking a picture of each student in my class was the first step of fun in this project. After printing the pictures and posting each on the bulletin board with a string tying them to their native countries, the students then used the word processor to write a brief auto-biography. Their autobiographies were then posted under their pictures. Throughout the year students enjoyed reading interesting paragraphs about their fellow classmates.