English Learners Outside the Classroom: The Effects of Participating in Extracurricular Activities

Recommendations from the students

The students deeply analyzed their experiences as English language learners, and even though according to all of them the experiences have been overall positive, they share some recommendations they felt could help English Learners feel more enthusiastic and comfortable about participating in extracurricular activities. Student 1 mentioned that most resources are focused on students arriving to the United States in the Elementary level, and High Schools

usually do not have programs or activities that focus on integrating newcomers. This point is very valid and at all levels educators can promote inclusion by allowing ELLs to take part in interest-driven extracurricular activities at school. Increasing the number of students who have direct exposure to English language learning outside of newcomer and ESL classrooms can improve students' feelings of school belongingness (Przymus, 2016).
Student 2 recommended keeping cultural events as a part of making students comfortable in the school. These types of events celebrate every culture and make the students feel seen and welcomed. However, the event the student mentioned only happens once a year at the beginning of the school year. The student noted that it is important to maintain all those events throughout the year. This recommendation is important because ELs are denied opportunities to join
interest-based activities if they remain excluded from mainstream culture (Przymus, 2016). According to Student 2 the school has made great intentions to integrate ELs to participate in activities outside the classroom, but these intentions are not constant. In order for the ideas to work they have to be consistent and be utilized all year round. Something research suggests is to not assume what is the best way to communicate with ELs families but take into consideration the way they would like to receive information (Vilches, 2020). Student 3 mentioned if schools link academics with outside of the classroom activities and offer incentives, newcomers could feel more willing to participate.