Teaching Language to ELLs in the Content Areas

You may have heard the statement that "All teachers are language teachers." That certainly applies to content teachers of ELLs!

Students at the Center

ELL Content Resources (padlet)

ENL Strategies for Content Area Teachers (padlet)

9 Ways to Support ELLs in the General Classrooms

ELL Tips for History & Social Studies

September 2024

Dear Colleagues,

As you probably know, I am the English as a New Language (ENL) teacher who will be providing services for the English Language Learners (ELLs) in your class. I will provide English language lessons in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening appropriate for the students’ language proficiency levels. I will pick up the ELLs from your class on already pre-scheduled days and times.

The ENL teacher has three main roles in our school: 1. English Language Development (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) 2. Provide Meaningful Access to Grade Level Learning through specific language scaffolds and resources for differentiation. 3. Capacity Building: Advocating for an Asset-Based Mindset and Cultural Awareness while Sharing Expertise with Colleagues, ELL Families and the Local Community. This includes ELL identification and assessment using specific tools and NYS exams designed for ELLs (NYSESLAT and NYSITELL). In a co-teaching setting, The ENL teacher will write the language objectives while the content teacher writes the content objectives for the lesson.

(*You will never need to send work from your class with the student as I have my own lesson plans.) I am responsible for using specific planning and instruction methods designed for ELLs, and I am evaluated on that when my program coordinator comes to observe. Therefore, I always come with a pre-prepared lesson for our ELLs. However, please feel free to meet and share specific skills that you are focusing on if you would like me to collaborate and coordinate similar skill lessons in my classroom when appropriate.

If you have any questions, or if I can be of further help, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Feel free to visit my classroom or reach me via email (lstevens@oswego.org).

https://www.simplyieva.com/the-role-of-an-esl-teacher-what-do-they-actually-do/

Back to School ENL Slide Show (FAQs)

Sincerely,

Laura Stevens

ENL Teacher

TOOLS & CHECKLISTS INCLUDE:

Content Areas

Can-Do Descriptors

ELL Content Resources (padlet.com)

Coaching All Content Areas with a Language Focus

3 Cross-Curricular Techniques that Expand Thinking & Develop Language for English Learners – Seidlitz Education (seidlitzblog.org)

Differentiating Instruction: It’s Not as Hard as You Think - YouTube

Greg Conley - YouTube ENL Student Tips

Stephen Krasher Comprehensible Input

https://ncela.ed.gov/resources/podcast-integrating-language-while-teaching-mathematics?

Academic and Linguistic Demands Manual

Understanding the 5 Different Language Levels (Video) This video explains what students can do at the 5 levels and offers some helpful strategies for teachers. For example, newcomer ELLs will need to start with basic vocabulary and survival skills. There may be a silent period while they listen and learn. Begin by working on essential vocabulary with pictures and word walls to include greetings, classroom items and basic grammar.

HELPFUL STRATEGIES