How Can We Best Work with English Language Learners?
Students whose native language is not English have some "catching up" to do as far as being able to perform at the same level as their peers. An English language learner (ELL) has to work double-time. Not only are they trying to learn content, they are also trying to learn the English language at the same time.
So, what can we do in the classroom to help them acquire English? There are some strategies that are useful:
1. Pair the ELL student with a classroom buddy. This buddy can be a native speaker of English or another bilingual student who perhaps has been in the country longer and who speaks and understands English well. This buddy can help the ELL with classroom routines, directions, and communicating with the teacher or other students. The ELL student will feel at ease having someone they can go to for help.
2. Label objects in the classroom in both English and in the student's native language. This will give the ELL student a sense of pride in his/her culture and language. He will feel that his language is valued by his new classmates. It will also help build English vocabulary because students will see objects labeled in both languages.
3. Use many visuals! Language-rich instruction should be accompanied by visual aids, props, and manipulatives. When telling a story, hand puppets are a good way to provide a better visual for ELL students. They can then use the puppets to retell the story.
4. Allow students longer time to process. Sometimes we ask questions of ELLs and don't give them to appropriate amount of time to generate a response. Remember, they may be processing the question first in the new language, but they then need some time to process their response in English.
5. Provide picture walks before reading a book. It's important to review key vocabulary from a book or story before reading so that ELL students better understand the content of the book.
6. Technology! Interactive technology (websites, smartboards, ipads) are great tools for any student. They are beneficial to ELLs because they are able to move around and interact with language.