English Learner (EL) and English Language Learner (ELL) definition
Additional terms that have been used to refer to ELLs include limited English proficient (LEP), English as a second language (ESL), and language minority students.
Emergent Bilinguals
This term promotes the most positive view of English learners by acknowledging their proficiency in another language as a strength, rather than just considering them people who need to learn English or focusing on their limits.
The earth is an apple activity is a great example of how to make an abstract concept tangible for little people whose abstract reasoning might not be well developed and for older students who are ELL etc.
students who are unable to communicate fluently or learn effectively in English, who often come from non-English-speaking homes and backgrounds,
o not have the English-language ability needed to participate fully in American society or achieve their full academic potential in schools and learning environments in which instruction is delivered largely or entirely in English.
fastest-growing segment of the school-age population in the United States, but they are also a tremendously diverse group representing numerous languages, cultures, ethnicities, nationalities, and socioeconomic backgrounds
overty, familial transiency, or non-citizenship status,
p
underperform on standardized tests, drop out of school at significantly higher rates, and decline to pursue postsecondary education.
For example, states and national organizations have developed standards to guide curriculum and instruction in English-as a second language programs, while customized teaching and learning materials for English-language learners are now routinely introduced into regular academic courses.
If you really want the kids to learn, they’ve got to be engaged.”
where students can practice language with their peers in a more personal, lower-risk setting
more small groups,
o the strong relationship she had with the regular classroom teachers
ESL teachers could regularly get copies of lesson plans or collaborate with regular classroom teachers to build solid back-and-forth support,
silent period,
Don’t force them to talk if they don’t want to,”
ill speak very little, if at all
pair him with other students who speak his native language
Allow them to write in their first language if they’re able.
Letting them explain things or ask questions in their first language gets them to relax and feel like a part of the class.”
llows them to still participate in journal writing or a math extended response, even if you can’t read what they write.”
consider the whole list of terms you’re going to teach for a unit,
Sentence frames
I disagree with what _________ said because…
Keep these posted in a highly visible spot in your classroom and require students to refer to them during discussions and while they write.
as to become a regular part of class
Pre-teach
The kids feel so empowered if they’ve had a chance to look at the material ahead of time.”
aking the time to learn the basics of where a child comes from — exactly, not ‘somewhere in the Middle East/South America/Asia/Africa’ — tells the
student that you respect her enough to bother.
learn
bout students’ religious and cultural practices. If
If you anticipate a theme coming up in your class that’s going to be relevant to one of your students, have a conversation with them in advance, or check with your ESL teacher to see if they think it’s appropriate for in-class discussion.
By modeling the risk-taking that’s required to learn a new language, you help students develop the courage to take their own risks, and to have a sense of humor about it.
ake a conscious effort to see past the accent and the mispronunciations and treat every interaction — every student — with the respect they deserve.