Rachel Seidel
DeSouza/SPC 4315
Child Case Study Part II: Interview
Background Information:
For my interview pertaining to E’s language and development, I was successfully able to interview her mother. The interview took place in their home, specifically at the kitchen table. During the interview, I spoke with E’s mother and jotted down notes on what she said, while E was doing her nightly routine to get ready for bed.
E’s mother is in her early 40’s. She is a single parent to four children including E. E is the youngest of these four children. Information about her father was not included. Her mother completed high school and started college in Illinois but did not finish her degree. She works full-time at a private elementary school in St. Peters. Working at a school allows her to be home in the evenings with E. E’s father has not been in the picture since she was three years old, therefore her relationship with her mother is especially strong.
It is evident that literacy is important in E’s home, based on the books on the end tables that are bookmarked. On one end of the kitchen table was a computer and an IPad which E is able to use for educational and recreational purposes. E’s mother does limit the amount of time she is able to use technology for games, encouraging her to read or go outside instead.
Interview Information:
Given E’s language development is at or above age appropriate level, her mother thinks having continuous support and advanced enriching vocabulary would be most beneficial. E’s mother encourages her to continue to read books that challenge her. She also explained that she attempts to introduce new words through conversation and then explain their meaning. At school there word study challenges E to understand the meaning of new words.
Synopsis:
English is the only language spoken in E’s home. At school she is exposed to Spanish 3 days a week when a teacher comes in to teach basic Spanish words. E can effectively communicate using verbal communication, hand gestures, and facial expressions. E’s mother commented on how often E uses facial expressions and reminding her that in certain scenarios it can be perceived as rude. E has a very good sense of humor and loves to tell jokes. She has no problem speaking her thoughts and often makes others laugh. When asked, E’s mother described her as an excellent communicator.
E’s mother expressed that some of her child’s strengths would be that she is great at communicating with others, is able to have healthy relationships, and takes responsibility of her homework. She also expressed that E is very outgoing and loves to talk with others, but sometimes has difficulty expressing her feelings when she is upset. E is able to recognize her own name, identify the letters of the alphabet, and label items appropriately. E loves to read independently. Her mother expressed that she reads 1-2 books a month on average outside of school. E’s favorite book is Runaway Ralph, by Beverly Cleary.
She also explained that E has strong healthy relationships and is very outgoing. E is very bored when alone and because of this is very active and always doing something like playing sports, or playing outside with friends. She expressed some concern with E’s competitiveness potentially being a conflict with others. E’s mother has noticed that she often gets upset or annoyed during sporting competitions when the team does not win.
E’s mother does many things to continue supporting her in her language development. For instance, she introduces new words in conversation, encourages her to read books that challenge E, and communicating with her. When E asks questions her mother takes the opportunity to address the question and use it as a teachable moment. E’s mother also encourages reading daily by limiting her time with technology.
I was unable to interview E’s teacher because he was unreachable. I reached out to E’s teacher via email and he did not get back to me. E attends a private school that does not have a SLP on staff, therefore I was unable to get a second interview and perspective on E’s language development.
“By supporting a child’s home language and helping them see connections between what they know in that language with new information in English, teachers help them keep up with learning” (Ferlazzo, 2017). This quote really speaks to me as a future teacher because it is important to be culturally responsive and understanding to all students. Helping them to make connections between their home language and English helps them feel accepted and have a greater understanding. Creating an environment where they feel important and encouraged is an environment where they can flourish and succeed. Using the students home language as a teaching tool will support them in their learning.
References
Ferlazzo, L. (2017, January 31). Response: Understanding the Benefits of a Student's Home
Language. Retrieved October 20, 2018
Interview Notes
10/18/18
Interview Questions:
1. What do you think is needed to support young children’s language development?
Advanced vocabulary and continued support
2. How are language practices supported school-wide?
Nothing specific just the study of words and understanding advanced vocabulary
3. How do you support the language development of your child/ children in your
classroom/children you work with?
n/a
4. How do you introduce new vocabulary words to your child/students/client?
Using them in conversation and then explaining what they mean or having her look up their meaning.
5. What strategies do you implement to teach language and communication skills?
n/a
6. How should parents and teachers help to support children’s language development?
Encouraging reading and using advanced vocabulary words in everyday language
7. Do you have any concerns about E language development? If so, explain.
no
8. What have you identified as E strengths?
Communicating with others, healthy relationships, taking responsibility
9. What have you identified as E needs for support (if applicable)?
nothing
10. What is E primary mode of communication (i.e., verbal, gestures, facial expressions, etc.)?
Verbal, gestures, facial expressions
11. Does E label objects correctly?
yes
12. Does E respond to age-appropriate questions?
yes
13. Do you encourage E to use verbal language (i.e., “use your words”)?
Yes, sometimes she struggles expressing her feelings when she is upset.
14. Does E speak in sentences? If yes, what are some examples?
Yes.
“Mom, I am going to take a shower.”
15. Can you have a conversation with E?
yes
16. Does E take turns when conversing with someone?
yes
17. Does E ask questions to adults? Give some example
Yes. When she is unsure or wants to learn about something she asks for help or an explanation. She often asks for permission before doing something.
18. Would you describe E as a good communicator? If so, explain.
Yes, she is very outgoing and has many friends (soccer team, at school, in the neighborhood). She also is very open to communicating her thoughts and feelings.
19. What are some of E interests, likes, dislikes, etc.?
Likes: Sports, playing outside, reading, playing with friends, school,
Dislikes: being stuck inside, shopping, being alone
20. Does E play and interact with other children his/her age?
Yes, very social and outgoing
21. Does E “pretend” to read or enjoy independent reading?
LOVES independent reading. She enjoys reading for fun outside of school. She reads on average 1-2 books a month.
22. Does E have a favorite book?
Yes, Runaway Ralph
23. Does E recognize his/her own name in pring?
yes
24. Does E recognize letters of the alphabet?
yes
25. Does E have access to print activities at home?
Yes. computer, ipad, books