In my very first year of teaching in 2000, I had 3 students in my first grade class who had virtually NO spoken English in September. They were from Malta, South Korea, and Latvia. I had NO idea how to help them or teach them. I did spend some time talking to our ESL teacher at the time, but that still didn't help me too much. I was surprised when all three of these students began to speak, read, and write English. It seemed like magic to me, and I don't think I helped them enough at that time.
These 12 strategies would have been helpful to me at the time I was beginning my career. The good news is that there is still time for me to learn, and I can keep these tips readily available for when I need them. Luckily, I already try to use visuals for teaching all students. Right now, we don't tend to have many beginning ELLs at our school. We do get kids from all over the world whose culture is different, but whose English seems strong. I try to learn about different cultures, and their beliefs, holidays, and lifestyles. I spend time reading and teaching about those cultures in all of my Library classes. I try to ask kids about their backgrounds when they feel comfortable sharing. For example, if I teach a lesson on Hanukkah, I ask the entire class if anyone knows about it or celebrates it. I try not to single out one person or make guesses about what a student might celebrate or practice. Many times, a student who was previously quiet and shy will become very proud to share their diverse experiences with me, and sometimes with the entire class. I think it is good for everyone when that happens.
These 12 strategies would have been helpful to me at the time I was beginning my career. The good news is that there is still time for me to learn, and I can keep these tips readily available for when I need them. Luckily, I already try to use visuals for teaching all students. Right now, we don't tend to have many beginning ELLs at our school. We do get kids from all over the world whose culture is different, but whose English seems strong. I try to learn about different cultures, and their beliefs, holidays, and lifestyles. I spend time reading and teaching about those cultures in all of my Library classes. I try to ask kids about their backgrounds when they feel comfortable sharing. For example, if I teach a lesson on Hanukkah, I ask the entire class if anyone knows about it or celebrates it. I try not to single out one person or make guesses about what a student might celebrate or practice. Many times, a student who was previously quiet and shy will become very proud to share their diverse experiences with me, and sometimes with the entire class. I think it is good for everyone when that happens.