13 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR CLASSROOM TEACHERS WITH ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS
Buddy up!
From the very first day find a buddy or buddies for your ELL student.
Buddies can orient the student to the school, play at recess, or work together with the ELL on class assignments and projects. Student to student interaction builds a sense of belonging and community.
Use technology!
Google translate, books on tape, and the wide variety of free phonics programs make learning fun!
Bring out your best charade moves!
Model and demonstrate what you want the student to do. Repeat the directions slowly or have a buddy repeat classroom directions. Be redundant in the way you present information. Gestures, actions, pictures, objects and writing are all great communication tools to use. Choose and few and use them regularly. Check for understanding frequently.
By Consistent!
Create a variety of simple clear instructions, routines, procedures and expectations. Using these consistent cues will offer predictably and comprehension for students learning English.
Don’t hesitate to talk!
Speak to the student directly throughout the day. Don’t worry if the student does not respond verbally, listening is learning for the ELL student. Remember that learning is taking place even if the ELL does not speak for the first weeks or months. Provide opportunities throughout the day for teacher to student interaction. Don’t let your English learner be a wallflower! Bring ELLs into your classroom community with lots of direct teacher talk and eye contact!
Be patient!
When the student does not understand, say less and simplify your speech.
Write it up!
Post written objectives, vocabulary, and assignments.
Preview and review and allow plenty of time to practice new vocabulary in authentic classroom situations
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Hang it up!
Create and use visual demonstrations during your lessons. Drawings, charts, maps, graphic organizers and pictures. Hang them up to increase comprehension of the lessons you teach.
Get hands-on!
Use manipulatives. Students learn without language when teachers offer learning through hands-on activities.
Highlight it!
Highlighting vocabulary, important words or summarizing sentences are great ways of modifying assignments for ELLs. English learners can understand difficult passages by identifying simpler language within the text that clarifies the meaning.
Show what you know!
ELLs can communicate by labeling, drawing, copying, and underlining. English learners can create outlines, make charts, diagrams and pictures to demonstrate their understanding and knowledge.
Speak up when you don’t know!
Teach your ELLs what to do when they don’t know. Instruct ELLs how to ask a buddy, raise a hand or call the teacher when they don’t understand what to do. Modeling works great to make sure ELLs know how to ask for clarification.
Collaborate!
Communicate with ELD teachers for advice and assistance in creating a learning environment for your ELLs. Classroom teachers with experience teaching English learners can be a wealth of knowledge. Tap into their counsel.
Happy Teaching!
Lori
from Fun To Teach ESL – Teaching English as a Second Language http://esleld.blogspot.com/2018/08/13-essential-tips-for-classroom.html
Joel Jackson 