Why should ‘aules d’acollida’ and mainstream classrooms work together? A few reasons

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to provide the reader with elements for reflection about the necessity that recently arrived foreign students be included in mainstream classroom activities notwithstanding their participation in aula d’acollida activities. Focusing on school children between ages 6 and 16 in Esplugues del Llobregat, an urban town near Barcelona, first this paper will consider what contribution is to be expected from aules d’acollida. Second, research data will be used as support to review some of the capacities children must be ready to use in order to achieve good academic results. By contrasting these two, evidence will be shed that both mainstream classrooms activities and aules d’acollida activities contribute complementary aspects to the child’s development and are both necessary therefore.