Here are a few examples: In addition to helping a new student feel comfortable through pattern and predictability, it is important to help other students to welcome the ELL into the classroom. ○ What does legislation say about educating and assessing ELLs? Perhaps a vocabulary word has multiple meanings, a different meaning in each language, or the concept doesn't exist in one of the languages. Self-monitoring: Checking one’s comprehension; checking oral and written production as it is taking place. There are four major categories of language support that might be necessary in content areas. […] Language Learners as it gives them a safe, informal space to talk to peers. ○ What does the ESL specialist need from me? There are a number of different modifications that can be used to create a more approachable testing situation for ELLs, depending on the level of English proficiency: Alternate assessments may provide more useful information about student progress than traditional tests. Lastly, it is very important to avoid sarcasm and avoid (or explicitly teach) slang and idiomatic language. Many graphic organizers can serve as advance organizers to build background knowledge or provide a review of a key concept from a lesson. Often when students are directed toward the right area, they can figure out the right answer with the help of their prior knowledge. Learn how to make the transition as painless as possible. Having more time can allow ELL students to familiarize themselves with the “once upon a time” narrative structure that might be more familiar to native speakers who grew up hearing those stories. For example, if a student says, “I seen things differently,” instead of correcting with a negative expression, “No, the verb ‘seen’ is incorrect,” you could instead model the correct usage, “Yes, that’s true! Here’s the good news – you don’t! One teacher found that the sweet spot for lectures to ELLs is 5 to 7 minutes long—shorter didn’t allow for enough time to communicate and longer caused frustration and fatigue. What is the cultural orientation towards personal space? Unit Test Modified for ELLs: A partially completed graphic organizer, Alternate Assessments for a Unit Portfolio, Resource Guide for Working with ESL StudentsIntroduction ○ Who are English Language Learners? Unlike sarcasm, vocabulary and idioms don’t need to be avoided altogether. In Somali, there is one sound for b and p — it is mixed. ELLs benefit from a language-rich environment, but not all of it should be auditory and oral language. ○ What are common program models for ESL education? Knowing the background of your ELLs will prevent you from punishing them for doing things that they were previously taught to do, and it will show them that you care about them. Rehearsal: Reviewing an idea or concept multiple times or practicing a new skill repeatedly. How do you help her catch up without slowing other students down? All Rights Reserved. Even if you are taking sufficient pauses while lecturing or giving directions, it can still be cognitively exhausting for ELLs to process another language while also making sense of the material. Adjust questioning techniques so that students can respond in a way that is appropriate for their stage of English proficiency. In the case of a pronunciation difficulty such as the Somali example above, teachers can demonstrate how the mouth forms the sounds. Remember that with any concept you teach, it’s important to add variety to your lessons […], […] you have ELLs in your classroom, you might even extend this list and add some sentence stems to help them […], Your email address will not be published. Understanding how this language is similar to or different from English will help you focus on troublesome areas. As one teacher puts it, “If I correct your English, I improve my English. Great post, Amanda! When placing tables and desks, think about creating spaces that can be used for various setups: partner work and small or large groups. This support will give your newer student a sense of reassurance and belonging in your classroom. English language learners will benefit from increased exposure to print and language. Visit WETA's other education websites: Start with a Book | Reading Rockets | AdLit | LD OnLine, Web development by Boxcar Studio and Rapid Development Group, A bilingual site for educators and families of English language learners. In an interview with Jennifer Gonzalez from Cult of Pedagogy, Kim explained that she’s had students who didn’t even know how to ask to go to the bathroom at the beginning of the year, but by the end of the year, they were having “a debate about the structure of their home country’s government versus the U.S. government.”. Just as an ELL student is learning about American culture and the English language, their teacher should be learning about their student’s home culture and language to better understand them as a person and serve them as a unique learner. By Work with a strong English speaker in a cooperative learning jigsaw reading to learn and share interesting facts about insects and why they are important. In Kindergarten and first grade, this is taught, but in the upper grades, these basic skills can really hinder a Language Learner’s progress. Encourage the student to participate in any way that child feels comfortable, but do not force verbal participation. In kindergarten, you might even have visuals for color, cut, glue, and write types of directions. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. The first way to help support English Language Learners in your classroom is to examine your own mindset when thinking about ELLs and your language when speaking about them. A good classroom setup saves you time by making resources and supplies readily available for you and your students. Ask the parents if they have concerns or questions, and set up the next meeting while you are all together. You are welcome to print copies or republish materials for non-commercial use as long as credit is given to Colorín Colorado and the author(s). Cognates can also help Spanish-speakers learn English and derive meaning from content. 1. Somali students need to be taught this sound explicitly as two distinct sounds. Use specific morning routines, such as lunch count, turning in homework, putting things away, morning greetings, etc. Most language learners learn quickly to watch other students for cues on what to do. We see things differently.”. Why are insects important? Portfolios are one way to collect and organize multiple forms of data. Whenever possible, send notes, homework, and information home in the native language.