English can be a complex language to learn. Sometimes it can be challenging to work with students who have different levels of language comprehension, like English Language Learners (ELL). However, there are a few ways to help enhance your lesson planning for ELL. Here are some tips that can help you break through with students who need extra help.
1. Visuals Text
Before students clearly understand the language, one of the best practices is to provide picture cues and visual representations of the vocabulary.
2. Group work
Group work with ELL students of varying English comprehension levels has a two-fold purpose. First, it engages an ELL to interact with other students (who may or may not speak their native language). It allows them to get comfortable with English by speaking with their peers. If they are grouped with someone of a shared linguistic background, then they could help them translate and improve their understanding. It also helps to divide some of their work to prevent an ELL from feeling overwhelmed.
3. Honor their learning Pace
Being forced to talk may be scary to some learning the English language. It is essential to encourage and engage with student while they are learning English – at their unique pace of development. Teachers must be mindful of the pace with which the student’s language comprehension increases. ELL’s should not be pressured to speak in English when they genuinely do not understand what to say in English.
4. Be culturally aware
It may be helpful to research the linguistic background and/or native language of an ELL to get an idea of where they are coming from. For example, you could include an idea from something they would understand in their language and draw parallels to the point you are trying to make in English.
5. Encourage them to take risks
Sometimes an ELL may feel like they will be ridiculed for not understanding English. It is essential to let them know that not everyone knows the answer and to not isolate themselves from the topic. They will eventually take risks if allowed room to make mistakes.
6. Take ELL seriously
Nothing hurts more than taking a risk and being ridiculed for it. It would be best to validate such students if they were correct in their responses. This will boost their confidence if you make them feel like you understand them and see where they are coming from.
MindWorks Collaborative would love to invite you to learn more about English Language Learners. Join future conversations on this topic by signing up for our community of justice-driven special educators here and sign up to get alerts for our next roundtable.
Guest Blogger Profile: Michelle Griczika is an experienced writer in the education field. She is a certified teacher and has taught in the classroom for over seven years with experience in regular education, special education, the science of reading, and more. Michelle now freelance writes full-time. In addition, Michelle enjoys running outdoors and taking on home projects in her free time.
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