English Language Learners in the Classroom: How to Support, Help, and Accommodate Them
Part of being a good teacher, especially when it comes to teaching English Language Learners, is creating a nurturing and supportive environment that accommodates each child’s individual needs.
Why? Students engage better when they feel comfortable and appreciated in the class. The most important thing is that students have a safe space to practice their language skills.
Here are some tips that have helped me support, help, and accommodate ESL students in the classroom.
Tips on How to Support ESL Students in the Classroom
- Build strong Relationships and Trust
A comfortable and safe learning environment starts with making connections with students. It inspires students to push past their fears of taking risks and making mistakes.
You need to be aware that many of your ESL students may feel uncomfortable. This discomfort stems from being in a space where they don’t freely speak their primary language.
Try to have empathy for your students and build relationships with them to develop trust. Part of this empathy is also being culturally aware of each student that you work with. Learn about where each student is from and gain a basic understanding of the homeland. Try to incorporate some of your student’s native language into your lessons to help make connections easier.
When students trust you, they tend to open up and ask more questions. They feel comfortable turning to you for support. You can also do more trust-building exercises to help ELLs in the classroom. This will help create an environment that is open, creative, and supportive.
- Create a Question-Asking Environment
Recognize that some ESL students may feel uncomfortable asking questions to authority figures (like teachers!) Well, this can depend on the student’s background.
This means that you should provide many opportunities that strongly encourage them to ask as many questions as they like. Eventually, they’ll feel more relaxed about asking questions to you or even other students.
Offer room for students to explain different parts of the lesson. And engage in activities that require them to come up with questions to ask the class. In addition, take the time to check in with each student. Discuss how they feel about the material and if they have any concerns.
- Cultivate Expected Routines
Routines are a big part when attempting to understand how to help English language learners in the classroom. Create specific activities that become a part of your class routine.
Overall, children learn better in environments with established practices, so they know what to expect each day.
When teaching ELL in the classroom, specifically elementary, it’s good to have regular check-in games. This is another incredible way to accommodate ELL students in the classroom.
Having clear expectations every day makes my ELL students feel calmer and excited for the lessons they get to work on. It’s never repetitive or boring!
These are the strategies that have worked for me and my ELLs in the classroom. My hope is that they work for you too.
Which of these tips and reminders do you use in your classrooms that have worked out? What strategies do you think will benefit your learners?
Let’s brainstorm and share resources down below!
