PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS
Strategies and Supports
How can I support my ELLs?
First Language and
Background Knowledge
If your student has good reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in their home language, this will likely transfer over to their second language acquisition. The more a student knows in their first language, the stronger the foundation for English language learning. This assists in processing information and building knowledge and understanding in the second language. Students will also likely begin to use home language less as they build confidence in reading, writing, and speaking in English.
Teachers can use this information to integrate translanguaging into lessons which will support building new learning experiences for their students across the curriculum.
Explicit Language Instruction
Explicit language instruction supports all students by creating interactive learning opportunities that allow them to listen, practice, and demonstrate their learning.
By using explicit instruction for learning, students are building confidence and motivation making them feeling valued and accepted.
Think: I do. WE do. YOU do.
Differentiated Instruction
Differentiated instruction supports students' individual needs and curriculum content. It is presented in a variety of ways to support all learners in the classroom by considering individual learning styles and needs. In a differentiated classroom, learning happens naturally and is teacher facilitated. Students engage in hands-on activities to support gaining knowledge and understanding that connect activites to the curriculum in a fun and engaging way. The classroom instruction is flexible and ever changing to meet the needs of the all students.
Scaffolding Instruction
When learning is scaffolded, it helps ELLs to develop both autonomy and second language acquisition. Student learning is supported by providing deliberate instruction that is explicit, guiding them towards independent learning. Effective scaffolded instruction develops important skills so students can become independent learners. This is done using prompts, doing comprehension checks, purposeful repetition, and with encouragement.
