Suggestions for Teachers
Some strategies to make your newcomer feel welcome:
--assign a classroom buddy
--seat student where he/she can hear and see all activities
--teach survivial phrases such as 'helllo', 'goodbye', 'good morning', 'where is..', 'I don't understand', 'may I'
--assign classroom jobs such as running errands with a partner, classroom helper, etc.
--have bilingual and picture dictionaries on hand
--ensure that school/classroom routines and key school locations are known
--create a classroom environment that reflects the cultural diverity of all students
Effective Teaching Strategies
--ensure that all lessons/activities include a component for activating prior knowledge and reviewing key concepts.
--make lessons/activities as clear as possible by chunking information and using visuals, concrete materials, gestures, and repetition.
--model all activities for students.
--have students review main concepts and vocabulary with partners (e.g., think/pair/share) and in whole-group sessions at the end of each lesson or activity.
--use simple sentences and speak slowly.
--visuals, visuals, visuals: Use key visuals and graphic organizers (e.g.,webs on chart paper) as teaching and learning tools.
Help is available!:
--simply contact your ESL teacher for more strategies to help support your ELL