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First grader builds English skills

Works at an accelerated level

T-R PHOTO BY SARA JORDAN-HEINTZ Ni Hta Blay, 8, a first grader at Hoglan Elementary School, works on building his English vocabulary and reading skills, as he is a native Karen speaker. Instructor Sara Nichols assists the child with those efforts. “He’s a sponge. He’s been soaking up all this information and is catching on so quickly,” Nichols said.

When Ni Hta Blay, 8, first arrived at Hoglan Elementary School in August 2016, he knew very little English. But with the aid of dedicated teachers, and his own inner drive, the first grader has made leaps and bounds with his progress.

Sara Nichols works with the child regularly, building his English vocabulary and speaking skills, as the child primarily spoke only Karen.

“He’s a sponge. He’s been soaking up all this information and is catching on so quickly,” Nichols said. “He’s on the right path. He knows how English works, now it’s just practicing.”

The pair first started on their academic journey by using a children’s picture book of “first words.” Ni Hta Blay would point to an object in the book and Nichols would help him say it in English. The child also communicates by drawing pictures. Then, in English, Nichols helps him write about what he drew. Sometimes, the youth writes about his experience coming to the United States from Thailand.

The pupil enjoys learning about airplanes and helicopters. While his favorite activity in school is writing, he does well in a variety of areas.

“He is one of my highest students in math,” said instructor Katlyn Balbiani.

Balbiani, who also has a background teaching English learning students, said she is impressed with Ni Hta Blay’s advancement.

“We expect it to take two to three years to get [a non-English speaker] to grade level, and he’s already there in under a year. I’ve never seen that extraordinary growth.”

In his free time, the first grader enjoys playing video games. He cited yogurt as his favorite food.

His teachers credit his strong support system at home for his success.

“His mom (Naw Gay) is amazing, and we’re thankful for that,” Balbiani said.

When Ni Hta Blay grows up, he would like to be a firefighter.

“I want to help people,” the child said.

“He is also truly one of the most respectful little boys I’ve ever met. He always says ‘please and thank you’, asks how your day is going, and says ‘I’m sorry’ if he does do something wrong,” Nichols said. “He is so polite and mature. He quickly captured teachers’ hearts with his love of learning and respectfulness.”

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Contact Sara Jordan-Heintz at 641-753-6611 or sjordan@timesrepublican.com

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