This month, take some time to consider the following principles when interacting with, developing lessons for, and teaching your ELLs. Although all of the principles are important, let's take time to focus on a wee handful of key principles as we begin the year.
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Taking the time to learn about your students will lead to more motivated students and effective lesson planning and delivery. Find out about their families, languages, cultures and educational backgrounds. Dive in deeper and explore their hidden talents, personality traits, hobbies, and their likes and dislikes. Be creative, and have fun with it - it's a great opportunity for all of your students to learn from one another and for them to shine! When your students are given the time to settle in and feel safe and cared about, they will be more inclined to take risks in their language learning. Don't forget to share about yourself as well!
*From TESOL’s 6 Principles for Exemplary Teaching of English Learners (2021) In simpler terms, this term, strive to create a classroom environment that is safe, comfortable and motivating. What does your classroom look like? Is it inviting? Where are your students sitting? Are they sitting in a spot in the classroom that will lead to engagement and integration? Do you have materials that are culturally appropriate and level specific? Are you setting expectations clearly? Are you creating opportunities for safe and positive interactions between students? How are you motivating your students to keep trying and learning?
By creating a space that is conducive to language learning, your students will be more engaged and motivated to learn. Involve your class in this! Setting those expectations and being consistent with them will create a safe place for all to take risks and learn together! *From TESOL’s 6 Principles for Exemplary Teaching of English Learners (2021) September is an important time to get to know your students. Assessing your students as you teach is an important tool that will help inform your lesson planning so that all of your learners are successful. Depending on their ELL level, at times students will feel like they are lagging behind or that they need to be challenged more. Frequent assessment as you are teaching will help you cater to your students' needs. These assessments do not only happen in September, however, September is the perfect time to start learning about what your students might need in order for them to experience early success and be engaged in your classroom learning environment. The more they experience successes, the more they will want to engage. This early motivation is key!
Assessments can be as quick and as simple and happen in a group setting. For example, response boards, thumbs up/thumbs down, temperature checks, turn-and-talk can all be done quickly to show understanding. Keeping anecdotal notes will be helpful when planning for the next lesson, and reflecting on your students' learning. *From TESOL’s 6 Principles for Exemplary Teaching of English Learners (2021) Scaffolding is an important adaptation tool, can be quick, and is beneficial for all types of learners. Scaffolding your lessons allows students to be successful at a variety of levels of ability and understanding. Here are some examples of ways to scaffold writing. These can be done quickly to adapt a writing lesson as needed. Scaffolding provides students with a safety net, and feeling safe can lead to more risk taking! Absolutely this!!! September is the perfect time to reach out to your colleagues when planning lessons and thinking of ways to support your new community of learners! Whether it's checking in with your ELL school specialist, LAC teacher, connecting with previous teachers or teachers in your grade group, this is a wonderful way to build community, learn from others, and advocate for the learners in your classroom. Sharing our experiences will help us learn from one another, problem solve, and become inspired. As much as we encourage collaboration amongst our students, it is just as important to do so as professionals. When we work as a team, everyone wins!
*From TESOL’s 6 Principles for Exemplary Teaching of English Learners (2021) |
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