Sleepy Hollow ENL students spread love with handmade cards

The English as a New Language students (ENL) at the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns worked together to create 25 cards to be distributed to members of the community. The art project not only helped students learn common phrases but also addressed Social and Emotional Learning.

The ENL students who created the cards are recent immigrants who are in the process of perfecting their English. The card-making activity helped the students learn phrases that are commonly used in Valentine's greetings such as, Happy Valentine's Day, sending warm thoughts, and thinking of you. The students were able to get creative with their Valentine’s and wrote their own phrases with the help of a bilingual dictionary.

“This was a great activity to have them practice English in an authentic way,” said Sarah McLaughlin, ENL Teacher and Mentor Program Coordinator at Sleepy Hollow High School.

The students worked together to create the cards, which have been distributed to senior citizens in the community. The activity helped them bond with each other and feel more comfortable in their new environment.

“It can be challenging to be a new immigrant, so I try to integrate activities that address Social and Emotional Learning because when a student feels comfortable, they are able to learn best,” said Ms. McLaughlin. “Making cards was a good way to get them to feel comfortable. We had two brand new students that day, it was a good first day for them.”