Group work is a strategy that I use frequently, as is small group instruction. I also try to communicate and check in with the ELL teacher. Their support is invaluable. I wish it was more systematized in Social Studies. I believe it is in ELA. I also encourage kids to use their native language. I’ve noticed this helps build confidence and helps create a sense of community. Allowing them to write in their first language has been beneficial as well. The segment on culturally unique vocabulary was interesting.. I feel like I should explore this. Sentence frames are great as well. I do use this strategy in Global 10. It has been super helpful and is a regular practice for all students, not just ELLs. I liked the pre-teaching strategy. Especially with YouTube videos. I loved the part about location and asking where exactly kids come from. Learning about their cultural background is important. However, what I found most significant was not having individual students speak for an entire culture. SHSGA just last year worked with central kitchen to have halal food in our cafeterias. Being culturally inclusive matters. Modeling risk taking is important. Showing them how to laugh will encourage risk taking. ELL kids are brilliant kids they just can’t tell us yet. They really are doing twice the job as everyone else.
