To support feeling “belonged” and increase self esteem:

Have success in reading and writing

• scribe, journal, conference with students
• read aloud OWN words
• “writing as a process”
• patterned text (read and use as writing mentor)
• meaningful tasks! (engaged, motivated, proud, personal connection)

Give time to practice and give careful corrections

• practice builds confidence
• correct, yet praise and help elaborate

Connect to background knowledge and experiences

• pre-unit discussions, generate questions
• pre-reading activities
• provide background knowledge they may not have (ie Civil War)
• informs teaching and lesson planning!

Actively involve learners

• CHOICE
• cooperative learning groups (assigned roles)
• role playing
• ask high level questions (promotes conversation/debate)
• concise wording to define concepts (Whole Brain Teaching)

Mindful grouping

• partner, peer tutoring, PBL, small groups
• NO rigid, consistent ability groups!
• use flexible groups based on student need

Provide native language support

• recognize native language
• support in classroom (visuals, spoken, translation)
• journal write in native language
• provide translation key for hard vocab/terms

Focus on meaningful content

• use student interest and culture to frame lessons

Incorporate family/community

• build relationships
• roles in classroom
• read aloud, small group, field trips, special skills, projects
• Family Literacy Nights

Hold high expectations for all students

• challenge students, higher order questioning/thinking
• problem solving

Embrace Diversity

• cross-cultural understanding
• respect, tolerance
• active interest in each student
• make sure they know “you are on their side”