language for Russian adoptees

[Devin P Browne]

I was asked to help a little girl a few years ago who's parents were
concerned she wasn't picking up English fast enough.  She was 5 when they
adopted her and was the sweetest thing.  However, "fast enough" ended up
being pretty subjective.  The parents were getting frustrated, but the
girl's acquisition of English was coming along just fine.  Tell them to
expect to be frustrated but to be patient.  It may take a little longer
since they have each other to speak Russian with, but putting them into
social situations more often (once they are comfortable with it) will help
them to pick up English more quickly.  Also, tell the mother to check into
ESL services that must be offered by the school -- a good ESL trainer in
an elementary school can really help in these kinds of transitions.

Devin / Divan

Devin P Browne
dpbrowne+ at pitt.edu