Newcomers: Info/Tips/Resources for Teachers

Great website: Inspiring English Language Learners https://inspiringenglishlanguagelearners.weebly.com/

Tips for Teachers with Newcomers:

http://multilingual.mpls.k12.mn.us/uploads/working-with-newcomers-teachers.pdf (Including 25 Quick Tips for Classroom Teachers on p. 12-14)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgmLt3SGMMc

Resources for Teachers https://www.cabarrus.k12.nc.us/Page/33927

Guided Reading for Newcomers: http://www.awalkinthechalk.com/2016/10/small-group-work-with-beginning-english.html

Empowering Newcomers Blogpost: https://inspiringenglishlanguagelearners.weebly.com/blog/empowering-newcomers

Survival English for Newcomers handout: https://www.cabarrus.k12.nc.us/cms/lib/NC01910456/Centricity/Domain/3044/Survival-English-for-Newcomers.pdf

Note: You may want to have your newcomer student make a “survival notebook” that he/she can refer to when needed. This can include a picture dictionary, picture file, special telephone numbers.

Supporting Newcomers: https://inspiringenglishlanguagelearners.weebly.com/blog/supporting-newcomers

http://www.canyonsdistrict.org/images/Suggestions_for_Supporting_Newcomers_in_the_Classroom.pdf

WIDA Can-Do Descriptors https://wida.wisc.edu/teach/can-do/descriptors The Can Do Descriptors highlight what language learners can do at various stages of language development. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzWNB_h0o9nvVDRLSkY1R255RlU/view (Student-friendly can-do charts)

"If you have a newcomer or an English language learner, I beg you, take the time to get to know your student. STOP your focus on data, testing, and curriculum alone! Gain their hearts. Learn their story. Help them reach their potential. Let them feel that they MATTER! I promise the language and academic development will follow these priorities. It is never too late to change your focus. Reach out for support and provide opportunities for our students to grow to be successful citizens." https://inspiringenglishlanguagelearners.weebly.com/

Modifying Assignments for Newcomers/ELs (Examples Included)

Why modify? Watch this video about a newcomer in a regular classroom. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6Y0HAjLKYI&feature=youtu.be

Helpful Hints for Teaching Newcomers/Beginning ELLs

* Please include your newcomer/ELL in class activities and lessons. Regular interaction with an English-speaking teacher and peers is essential!

* Spending the majority of their time secluded on a computer is rarely helpful to newcomers and is a form of discrimination.

* Modifying lessons does not necessarily require making new ones, just changing/adapting what you’ve already created.

* Your ESL teacher is there as a support for the students and as a resource for you. The real difference is made in your classroom.

ReWordify: Enter complex text and watch it be simplified! http://rewordify.com/

General Strategies:

• Use simple instructions with simple language!
• Use lots of visuals! (photos, realia, etc.)
• As much as possible, meet the student at his or her current academic level.
• Have high expectations!

Modifying Assignments/Assessments/Tests:

• Shorten length (i.e.- half as many vocabulary words -cross out half the questions on worksheets or tests)
• Eliminate choices - (i.e.-for multiple choice questions cross out 1 or 2 of the answers)
• Provide a word bank
• Underline clues - (i.e.- key words or phrases)
• Simplify language -(i.e.- more straightforward language, eliminate words)
• Use cloze versions of worksheets/tests
• Allow students to draw pictures to demonstrate knowledge
• Allow students to label a picture or diagram
• Allow students to draw lines to connect words with matching pictures

http://www.lakewoodcityschools.org/userfiles/2191/Classes/8975/Hurleys-ESL-Modifications.pdf Modifying instruction is critical to ESL students’ success. However, modifying instruction doesn’t mean creating a second lesson plan or curriculum; it just means changing some of the ways you do things. Most of your native English-speaking students can benefit from modifications as well. The site goes on to list examples of modifications that are helpful.

http://www.warrencountyschools.org/userfiles/1567/Classes/114483/userfiles/1567/my%20files/ideas%20for%20modifying%20lessons%20for%20esl%20students-2.pdf?id=593989

http://teachersfirst.com/content/esl/adaptstrat.cfm#newvocab "Adapt-a-Strategy: Adjusting Lessons for ESL/ELL Students"

www.somerset.k12.wi.us/faculty/cscheid/newsfile5967_1.ppt

Many Ways to Modify Instruction for English Language Learners (www1.gcsnc.com/depts/esl/pdf/Content%20Teachers%2008.doc)

Instructional Modifications:

• *break assignments into segments or shorter tasks
• *relate information to student’s experiences. Activate prior knowledge
• *reduce the number of concepts introduced at any one time
• *monitor the level of language you use to communicate idea
• *check for comprehension throughout the lesson by asking the students to retell, explain, describe
• *provide outlines or study guides
• *monitor the rate at which you present material
• *use graphic organizers consistently
• *use English/Native language dictionary for secondary level students
• *avoid idiomatic language
• *follow predictable routines
• *have students sit near the front
• *assign a buddy.
• *use collaborative groups
• *increase amount of time allowed completing assignments and test or reducing the amount of work.
• *avoid large amounts of written work, both in class and homework.
• *provide visual explanation of concepts
• *Total Physical Response
• *provide “realia” or real life examples of things
• *use rubric to preteach each and model expectations
• *use visuals/”hands-on” manipulatives
• *use gestures to convey meaning non-verbally
• *build on the prior knowledge of students (make connections with students’ cultures, experiences, interests and skills)
• *highlight/review/repeat key points and vocabulary frequently
• *establish consistent classroom routines/list steps for completing assignments
• *use yes/no, either/or, wh- questions and why/how
• *create story and semantic maps
• *use “Language Experience Approach”
• *plan ways for ELLs to participate in class and in cooperative learning groups
• *use audio tapes to reinforce learning
• *use simplified books/texts that cover content-area concepts
• *display Word Walls and charts

Tons of good strategies for working with newcomers, content assessments, grading, etc.

https://www.rssed.org/uploaded/District/Federal_Programs/Download_Files/Strategies_for_Supporting_Newcomer_ESL_Students.pdf