Thick Descriptions of Two Field Notes

Example #1: ESL students sit together at one table.  There is a lot of talking (mostly in Spanish) and iPads and iPhones out, taking selfies, amongst the three girls there.  One boy at one corner of the table works diligently on his homework.

Thick description:
There are 6 other tables available for students to spread out, but the ESL students still sit together at one table.  This was not "assigned" to them; it was personal choice.  These students aren't all the same age or even in the same school (some are in middle and some in high school).  People from the same culture usually like to stay together.  I know this from my personal experience; my closest friends in school and those I spent my time with after school were all my Ukrainian friends, sharing my nationality and culture.  It didn't matter if they were younger or older than me.  The ESL students attending this program do not try assimilating themselves with the other students and prefer to spend the time with each other.  Talking to each other in Spanish allows them to share about things or people that they do not want others hearing or understanding.  Most of the time, the ESL students are not being productive and working on homework, especially for the first 20 minutes or so.  They will continue to socialize and play with their technological devices until a teacher comes up and asks them about their homework/what they should be working on.  The one boy always gets to work immediately and works until all his homework is done.  Grades are very important to him, and he proudly told me that he is a straight A student.  I even overheard him tell a classmate that he is thinking of being a doctor for his profession.

Example #2: Students are allowed to bring younger siblings with them if necessary.  Several ESL girls bring their younger sibling with them.

Thick description:
In most immigrant families, both parents need to work in order to make ends meet.  Many times, older siblings are given the responsibility of watching younger siblings, which means if there are activities they want to participate in after school, they cannot.  Because the after-school program gives students permission to bring siblings, ESL students who would normally stay home are able to come and get homework help, socialize, and eat a hot meal for dinner (along with the sibling).