ESL students flock to optional summer school

LITTLE ROCK, AR -- Summer school is often required for students who need to recover credit courses. But 35 students at Hall High School are enrolled in optional summer courses.



ESL (English as a Second Language) students are enrolled in Hall's optional ESL summer courses to learn English. They come from five countries and most are native Spanish speakers. Teachers say the students are less shy speaking English in the smaller classes.



"We have one student who came alive this summer and is asking very detailed and curious questions," says ESL social studies teacher, Kitty Sanders.



Students in Sanders class are making social studies books on their home countries or any country they choose.

"It makes them feel good that we're interested in where they come from," says Sanders.



Many of the students have not been in the states for very long. They know if they want to excel in school, they must learn English not just during the regular school year, but in the summer.



They take five courses ever day on grammar, conversation, literature, computer, and social studies.



"I'm from China. I'm so happy to be here. I have friends," says Jia Deng, freshman.



The teachers and students like the smaller class sizes.

"We have more one on one time with them," says Sanders.



"I like it quiet. I don't like much noise," says Deng.



Teachers have found if ESL students don't take these summer classes, they often lose their English skills.



"A lot of students will spend the summer speaking their native language," says Sanders.



This is also the first year ...