Linguistically Appropriate Practice
Ways to Support the English Language Learners in Your Class
“Linguistically Appropriate Practice (LAP) is an approach to teaching in linguistically diverse learning contexts. It invites teachers to reflect on their current practice, let go of the ‘tried and true’ monolingual teaching and respond to the diversity of their classrooms. LAP views newcomers as creative and competent learners, acknowledges and builds on their language and literacy skills and helps them engage with the curriculum.”
Taken From: Using Linguistically Appropriate Practice: A Guide for Teaching in Multilingual Classrooms by Roma Chumak-Horbatsch (2019).
Suggestions:
Pronounce their name correctly
Assign a peer helper
Post a visual schedule
Remember that they are becoming bilingual/multilingual and will bring skills and prior knowledge to the classroom with them
Have conversations as a class discussing how the newcomer student may be feeling and/or missing…(pets, best friend, bed, food, family, language,etc.) - build empathy
Learn and teach a few things in different languages - greetings, numbers to 10 colours etc.
Synonymous tags and repetition (Did you hurt yourself? I see you injured yourself…/ What is the role/job of the digestive system?)
Incorporate use of visuals - (add to a poem, morning message, slide deck)
Clear Language - try to be mindful of idioms - provide literal explanation
Be mindful of pace of speaking
Body language, gestures, facial expressions - when students are learning English they can be quite intuitive and pick up easily on body language, gestures, and facial expressions
Wait time - allow students some time when answering/contributing
Show examples - helps students understand expectations
Multilingual-Multicultural Exposure – parents can visit (virtually) and read a dual language book, signs around the room/hallways etc. in various languages, make a list of words together as a class that can be displayed and accessed easily.
Many popular stories/novels are available in multiple languages at public libraries and HRCE EAL library
Change subtitles to students’ language on YouTube videos
Install Immersive Reader chrome extension to their device to support reading and comprehension of websites
PLEASE REMEMBER ~ the goal is to make all students feel a sense of value and belonging!