1. Use visual aids. It is important to engage students of all learning styles. English Language Learners (ELLs) who are visual learners benefit from seeing the English version of the word, as well as the word in their home language. For young ELLs, a picture representing the word is also helping. Labeling objects around the classroom with the word in both languages is very helpful for young ELLs to help them gain early exposure to language. Free classroom labels are available to print at www.eichild.com.
2. Use hand gestures. Many gestures are universal. A hand up for stop; wave for hello or goodbye; thumbs up for “good job”. These gestures can help ELLs gather feelings and meanings associated with new vocabulary jobs. Talking with your hands to express concepts like round or circle also helps get the meaning across.
3. Speak slower, simpler and repeat as needed. Consciously speaking slower gives ELLs more time to process language. Repeating words and phrases further helps students pick up anything they missed the first time it was said. Speaking clearly and using simplified words and phrases makes it easier for ELLs to process what you are saying.
4. Exaggerate word pronunciation when speaking. Some words, such as desert and dessert, look and sound very similar, but have very different meanings. Exaggerating intonations when pronouncing words makes it easier for ELLs to hear the difference. This helps them as they are learning vocabulary and spelling, as well as reminds them which word to use in conversation.
5. Emphasis commonly used words. Stressing words that are commonly used helps ELLs master those words faster. High-frequency words may include, stop, school, bathroom, lunch, bus or home. Mastering these words helps ELLs navigate through their day easier and gives confidence in their ability to learn the language.
6. Avoid idioms. Idioms can be confusing for ELLs. They must first become comfortable with the definitions of commonly used words before they can understand alternate meanings. A phrase like “chip on your shoulder” to refer to a bad attitude could be very difficult for an ELL to grasp. Avoiding idioms until ELLs are comfortable with basic vocabulary limits confusion regarding words and phrases with multiple meanings. Giving clear meanings of words and phrases in context is important for helping ELLs grasp the meaning of vocabulary.
7. Provide hands on activities frequently. Having fun while learning encourages students to work at it longer and more intently. Hands-on learning also makes the subject matter more meaningful to the student. For example, instead of having ELLs write out vocabulary words send them around the classroom or school on a word scavenger hunt.
8. Be enthusiastic and patient. A positive attitude from teachers is key to having a positive attitude from students. Learning a new language is difficult and stressful. It takes time and patience. If the teacher gets frustrated and impatient with the rate at which the student is learning, so will the student.
9. Provide multiple opportunities for students to practice. Most students need to practice in order to truly grasp the material. This may be even more accurate for some ELLs, as the language barrier adds an extra layer to their learning. Providing opportunities for students to practice activities through auditory, visual, written and hands-on learning helps ensure they will be able to work at the material in the way that is most meaningful to them.
10. Lesson plans should reflect ELL’s background knowledge. Learning new knowledge on a topic a student already has experience with is easier for the student than starting from scratch. If you know farming and agriculture is a major way of life in the country your ELLs are from, tap into their knowledge when teaching vocabulary and other concepts having to do with agriculture, such as farming, animals and produce.
11. Give extra time for responses. ELLs need additional time to formulate their answers in English. Some may still be translating their first language into English. Some may need time to find the appropriate words. Pausing after a question is asked gives ELLs time to think about the question before responding.
12. Model proper language instead of correcting mistakes. Instead of correcting your student’s language mistakes, restate what they said modeling the proper usage. When a student says “No understand.” you would say, “You don’t understand?” This allows the student to hear their statement rephrased in the correct way without being bogged down by constant critique.
13. Give students an outline of the lesson before starting. Teacher-prepared outlines or notes can help ELL students follow along in class. Another option would be to ask another student to share his or her notes with the ELL student. You may also give the ELLs an information sheet in advance regarding the lesson plan and objectives so that they may have an easier time following along.
14. Teach reading strategies. Teach ELL students reading strategies that will enhance their reading skills. Skimming, scanning and even outlining chapters in the textbook are excellent pre-reading strategies that can help students preview material prior to reading.
15. Expect and respect silence. Most second language learners go through a silent phase. Your intention may be to give them practice; this technique very well may backfire, causing the ELL student to be embarrassed and overly self-conscious.
16. Play games. Reinforce vocabulary through playing Bingo and Pictionary. These games require minimal spoken language, but still provide an excellent review of vocabulary. Games can focus on subject areas (such as food) or subject errors (such as science).
17. Create and maintain a word wall in your classroom. Post new vocabulary terms on the wall in an organized, grouped manner. For older students, you may wish to post new biology terms in columns according to the level of organization (cell, tissue, organ, etc.). Words can be grouped alphabetically, by theme (such as feelings) or with words that rhyme (hat, bat, cat) for younger children. Word walls for younger children are enhances by having a picture representation of the word. Reading word walls help ELLs visually recognize words.
18. Follow consistent classroom routines. ELLs are freer to concentrate on new concepts if they are familiar with classroom routines. Routines give the comfort and security to focus on learning. Vocabulary is also learned through doing route things.
19. Use the buddy system. Partnering ELLS with strong English speakers benefits both students. It can be particularly beneficial to pair ELLs with bilingual students who can help the ELL with translation. Seat ELLs near the front of class, adjacent to bilingual students who can assist them.
20. Assign journaling activities. Students become better writers by writing. Assign journal writing activities to ELLs. They should write lecture notes, new terms, and responses to prompts in their journal. Teachers should regularly collect journals to give feedback on all entries.