Mrs. Foster’s second grade English Language Development learners and homeroom classes performed “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” for parents and friends Friday morning at Eliot Elementary School in Gilroy.
Foster has been making a difference for children at Eliot for the past 10 years, sharing her time and talents with students that don’t necessarily have the advantages and resources that other children have. After being an educator for 32 years, Foster knows the importance of introducing children to the performing arts.
“Exposing the children to the arts builds confidence,” she said. “They have made everything for the play themselves at school, from their painted cardboard costumes, scenery and programs. This experience is especially important for English Language Development learners – it’s also the way you make lasting memories.”
Not only that, giving children the opportunity to shine onstage makes “lasting memories,” she added.
English Language Development (ELD) learners face additional challenges since they are not only learning new subjects, but also learning a new language concurrently, Forster explained. ELD students must learn English quickly and speak fluently to participate in academic core subjects including mathematics, reading/language, social studies and science.
