Our Friend Joey

This book is about a fourth grade student name Joey Rodriguez. Joey moved to the United States in November from a small town named Aibonito, in the mountains of Puerto Rico. Joey is an only child, who lives on a farm where he and his parents raised a small herd of cows and goats, and other farm animals. They also have a large garden where they grow food for the local merchants in town. Joey is a happy child who loves school, but speaks very little English. Joey's mother is very sick,...
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This book is about a fourth grade student name Joey Rodriguez. Joey moved to the United States in November from a small town named Aibonito, in the mountains of Puerto Rico. Joey is an only child, who lives on a farm where he and his parents raised a small herd of cows and goats, and other farm animals. They also have a large garden where they grow food for the local merchants in town. Joey is a happy child who loves school, but speaks very little English. Joey's mother is very sick, and needs to move to Florida to live with her sister and Joey's Aunt Rosa, who will take care of her. His dad is staying behind to tend to the farm. Joey starts school at Jonathan Samuel Elementary near Orlando, Florida. He is placed in Ms. Penny Roberts's class who is a veteran ESL teacher. Ms Roberts, who is sensitive and kind, and has many years of experience working with ESL students, gets word that Joey will be starting school soon, and prepares her classroom and students to welcome Joey's arrival. When Joey enters her class on the first day, he is pleasantly surprised how the room is inviting and well decorated, with everything labeled inside the room in both English and Spanish. He was welcomed by his classmates, and assigned a classroom buddy named Mikell, who is fluent in both English and Spanish.Ms. Roberts is very patient with Joey, and at first allows him to observe his surroundings, develop socially, and to gain an understanding of the daily schedule and classroom routine. When teaching a lesson she models (shows how) what she expects him to do and learn. Joey loves being in her reading group. Many times Joey is allowed to share his experiences in and culture through drawings and pictures. She has many books on tape, and Joey spends lots of time on the computer learning English. Mikell helps Joey to develop socially through their wonderful friendship. Joey rapidly catches on and tells the world about his success.