Lehman Program Helps Kids Learn English

By JON MINNERS

Living in a new country can be scary, especially for kids. For Basit Naeem, 10, and his brother, Yasir, 12, the transition was made a little easier with the help of a special program at Lehman College that teaches kids English in a one-on-one educational setting.

"The idea is if we focus the instruction so students get exactly what they need," said Susan Polirstok, head of the Department of Specialized in Education at Lehman, "it will give them a leg up when they go to school. Normally, you lose skills over the summer, but this program will help them retain those skills."

Both brothers and their older brother, Maroof, took part in the program taught by students in Lehman's graduate school for education. The program is a requirement for the master's degree.

The three boys moved to Norwood with their mother from La Hore, Pakistan, earlier this year to join their father. Basit and Yasir attend PS 280 and Maroof attends MS 80. The program is open to students from elementary through high school for a nominal materials fee.

"The children are referred to by peers or by their school," Polirstok said. "Many of them are repeat attendees and come every summer. The teachers here work hard to make the instruction fun."

The three students earned praise from their instructors, Joseph Collins and Hiram Allen, both of whom are pursuing graduate degrees in special education and reading.

"They were extremely bright and very excited to be in America," Polirstok said of the three brothers. "Learning English is very important to their success. The more they strengthen their language skills, the more opportunities they will have."

Dr. James Bruni, the Dean of Education at Lehman College offered this statement concerning the program and what it can accomplish for those who take part in it: "During the school year and in the summer, Lehman students in teacher education programs have opportunities to teach hundreds of Bronx children, providing individualized and small-group instruction, both at school sites and at the college. We are very proud of the contributions our students are able to make to the Bronx community."

Parents and school administrators can call Lehman's Department of Specialized Services in Education at 960-8173 for an application.

Back to Features Index Page

News | Opinion | Schools | Features | Ongoing Story | Home
About Us | Past Issues