Word sorts are one way to help students learn spelling patterns. Students are able to focus on two or three patterns instead of trying to memorize a list of words. They are then better able to apply those spelling patterns to new words that follow a similar pattern. Here are some ways to set up word sorts with ELLs. Small Group The small group might be a word study group, where all of the students are at the same developmental…
Finding the main idea and supporting details is a reading comprehension skill that students are expected to understand starting in kindergarten. By third grade, students are expected to do this with more complex texts independently. This can be a challenging skill for all students. For some ELLs, they have the added challenge of not yet reading grade level texts independently. Here are 5 ideas to support students learning about main idea and supporting details. Sorting One simple way to introduce…
Learning basic vocabulary will help newcomer students improve in all areas of English development. For the majority of the day, many newcomers will be in class with English speaking peers. They will learn a large amount of vocabulary when their teacher uses visuals and by listening to what is happening in the classroom. One simple way to support ELLs with basic vocabulary is to give them a newcomer vocabulary book and then teach them to use it independently. I have created…
Vocabulary…this can be one of the biggest concerns for teachers that are new to working with English Language Learners. How do you teach a lesson when some of your students are unfamiliar with the words that you are using. Which words are the most important one in a story? Which words are worth the time it will take to find visuals or preteach them? Here are some strategies to help you support your ELL’s vocabulary development. Teach Vocabulary Words in…
Children learn about the world around them through play. They also gain important early literacy and math skills. When children are playing, they are less on guard about if what they are doing is correct or not. The ELLs affective filter is lowered. This results in them being more easily able to retain language. Through observing my own children and joining into their play, I am witnessing how much language, pre literacy skills, and creative thinking they are gaining. Having…
Using Coloring with Students Coloring can be a relaxing activity for students. Even older students enjoy a periodic coloring break. What better way to help students practice the grammar concept of parts of speech than through coloring? Color by Code Worksheets I have a FREE set of Color by Code Worksheets. On the coloring sheets students color each part of speech a different color. The pages cover nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, and conjunctions. Illustrated Vocabulary Sheets I designed these…
Newcomer students receive some support from an ESOL teacher in most elementary schools. The majority of their time is spent in their grade level classroom. Here are some strategies for supporting a newcomer student in their grade level classroom. Differentiate Assignments In the beginning, you will likely do more modifying of the assignment. The learning goal might be different for your newcomer student. You might instruct them to listen to a read aloud and try to remember five new words…
Reading engagement is an important part of a student’s motivation to read. When you are motivated to read, you are more likely to increase the amount of time that you spend reading. This is important for English Language Learners, as they need many exposures to text. When a student is motivated, he or she is better able to learn new material. Feeling frustrated can lower one’s motivation to practice reading. This also impacts how engaged they are with the text…
Task cards are a great tool to support English Language Learners. There are many leveled sets available, making it easy to differentiate. There are cards with short reading passages, grammar practice, writing prompts, speaking questions, and more. Take a look at these five ideas for using task cards with your ELLs that will keep them engaged throughout the lesson. 1. Play a Game Kids love playing games. You can keep the game simple and print out a basic game board….
Figurative language uses figures of speech including metaphors, similes, idioms, and personification. It typically describes something by comparing it with something different. Figurative language can be challenging for an English Language Learner to understand, as they are still learning literal language. Here are some strategies and ideas for teaching figurative language to ELLs. Culture plays a role in figurative language. Metacognition helps students to understand when they encounter figurative phrases. (Palmer, Bilgili, Gungor, & Taylor 2008) Have Students Illustrate Examples…