Strategies for teaching English Language Learners
To provide an optimal learning environment for English Language
Learners, take into consideration the following:
- Education occurs in the social climate. Do not let other students make fun of students when they speak their native language. It may discourage students from participating. Provide a climate that is supportive, welcoming climate.
- Try not to use "slang" because students may not be able to understand the connotation behind the words.
- Understand the importance and positive benefits of being bilingual.
- Assess prior knowledge of ELLs to identify the concepts and skills that the student does and does not have. Fill in gaps by relating new skills and concepts to real life experiences of ELLs.
- Teach students the new concepts in context to understand the meaning.
- Translate new words into their native language. Practice new words.
- Foster learning through modeling, scaffolding and helping students to construct understanding that will eventually lead to independent thinkers and problem solvers.
