"Supporting English Language Learners" Professional Development

Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re taking a deep dive into a topic that’s close to the hearts of many educators and parents alike—supporting English Language Learners, or ELLs. 

Whether you’re teaching bright-eyed kindergarteners, navigating the turbulent waters of middle school, or preparing high schoolers for the world beyond, this episode is packed with insights and strategies that will help you make a meaningful impact on your students' lives. 

We’ll explore techniques tailored to each educational level and discuss how to create an inclusive, supportive environment that fosters both academic success and personal growth. And stay tuned for a special bonus segment where we’ll address a common parent question about supporting their ELL child at home.

Show Notes

For more information on this topic check out the following resources:

• TESOL International Association: www.tesol.org - A resource for English language teaching professionals.
• Colorín Colorado: www.colorincolorado.org - A bilingual site for educators and families of English language learners.
• National Association for Bilingual Education: www.nabe.org - Supporting bilingual education and language diversity.
• Edutopia – Supporting ELLs: www.edutopia.org/english-language-learners - Strategies and resources for teaching English Language Learners.
• Center for Applied Linguistics: www.cal.org - Resources on language learning and cultural integration.

Keep exploring, keep innovating, and most importantly, keep teaching with valor!

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

Transcript

Don: 0:08

Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re taking a deep dive into a topic that’s close to the hearts of many educators and parents alike...supporting English Language Learners. Whether you’re teaching bright-eyed kindergarteners, navigating the turbulent waters of middle school, or preparing high schoolers for the world beyond, this episode is packed with insights and strategies that will help you make a meaningful impact on your students' lives. We’ll explore techniques tailored to each educational level and discuss how to create an inclusive, supportive environment that fosters both academic success and personal growth. And stay tuned for a special bonus segment where we’ll address a common parent question about supporting their English Language Learners. Let’s start where the journey begins—in elementary school. For many young English Language Learners, entering a classroom where the dominant language is not their own can be both exciting and intimidating. The key here is to create a welcoming environment that encourages exploration and curiosity while gently guiding them towards language proficiency. In the elementary classroom, language learning should be as immersive and interactive as possible. Think of your classroom as a language-rich garden where every visual cue, every interaction, and every activity is a chance for growth. Start by labeling classroom objects in both English and the students' native languages. This simple act does wonders for vocabulary acquisition and helps children feel more connected to the classroom environment. Storytelling is another powerful tool at this stage. When you read stories aloud, use exaggerated facial expressions, gestures, and props to make the narrative come alive. This not only helps in comprehension but also engages students emotionally, making the language more memorable. Encourage students to retell the story in their own words, using the new vocabulary they’ve picked up. Incorporate games and songs that focus on language patterns and repetition. For instance, songs with repetitive structures can reinforce sentence patterns and grammar in a fun and memorable way. Interactive games like“Simon Says” can teach prepositions, while board games can be adapted to include vocabulary practice. But language learning at this level is not just about words; it’s about building confidence and a sense of belonging. Create opportunities for peer learning, where students can practice English in a safe, supportive environment. Group activities that require collaboration, such as creating a class mural or working on a science project, not only build language skills but also foster social bonds. As students move into middle school, their language needs and academic demands become more complex. This is where we shift our strategies to support a deeper level of language acquisition while integrating it with academic content. Middle school is a critical time for English Language Learners as they begin to encounter more challenging academic content. The strategies at this stage need to support both language development and content mastery, ensuring that students are not just learning English in isolation but using it as a tool to engage with the curriculum. One of the most effective strategies at this level is content-based instruction. This involves teaching language through academic subjects like science, math, and social studies. For example, in a history lesson, you might focus on key vocabulary related to the topic terms like"revolution,""democracy," and"constitution." Then, you weave these terms into discussions, readings, and writing assignments, giving students multiple exposures to the language in context. Technology plays a significant role in supporting middle school English Language Learners. Digital tools such as language learning apps, interactive games, and online dictionaries provide personalized learning experiences that cater to each student's pace and level. For instance, using a platform like Quizlet, students can practice vocabulary with flashcards, take quizzes, and even play games that reinforce their learning. Peer collaboration is crucial in middle school. Encourage students to work in pairs or small groups, where they can practice language in a social context. This might involve a project where students research a topic together and then present their findings to the class. Not only does this build language skills, but it also helps students learn to work collaboratively a skill they’ll need throughout their academic careers. Classroom discussions are another powerful tool. Use structured academic conversations where students are given sentence stems or phrases to help them articulate their thoughts. This not only supports language development but also builds critical thinking skills as students learn to express complex ideas in English. As students enter high school, the focus shifts to preparing them for college, careers, and life beyond the classroom. Here, the strategies become even more refined, balancing language proficiency with academic rigor. High school is where the rubber meets the road for English Language Learners. At this stage, they need to be proficient in academic English, capable of engaging with complex texts, writing analytical essays, and participating in advanced discussions. The strategies we employ here must be rigorous yet supportive, challenging students while providing them with the tools they need to succeed. Advanced literacy skills are a priority. Encourage students to engage in activities that require critical reading and writing. For instance, in a literature class, students might read a novel and then write an essay analyzing the themes, characters, or literary devices used by the author. Provide them with graphic organizers to help structure their thoughts and guide their writing process. Debate and discussion are also key strategies at this level. Debates allow students to practice constructing arguments, using evidence, and articulating their points clearly and persuasively. It’s not just about winning the debate; it’s about developing the ability to think critically and express those thoughts in English. Project-based learning is another powerful approach. In a history class, for example, students might research a significant event, such as the Civil Rights Movement, and then present their findings through a multimedia project that includes written reports, oral presentations, and visual aids. This not only reinforces language skills but also engages students in deep learning about the subject matter. Providing access to Advanced Placement courses or dual enrollment opportunities can be incredibly beneficial for English Language Learners who are ready for the challenge. These courses prepare students for college-level work and can give them a significant head start. However, it’s important to provide the necessary support, such as tutoring or study groups, to ensure that English Language Learners can succeed in these rigorous courses. Understanding and respecting students' cultural backgrounds is essential in supporting English Language Learners. This segment explores how educators can create a classroom environment that is inclusive and culturally responsive, incorporating students' cultural identities into the curriculum and classroom activities. This might involve celebrating cultural holidays, integrating diverse perspectives into lessons, and fostering a classroom culture where all students feel valued and respected. Supporting English Language Learners is not just the responsibility of teachers; it requires collaboration with parents and the community. This segment discusses strategies for engaging parents in their children’s education, such as hosting multilingual family nights, providing translation services, and creating opportunities for parents to be involved in school activities. It also explores how community resources, such as local language classes or cultural organizations, can provide additional support for English Language Learner students and their families. In our bonus segment...we answer the parent question"How can I help my child learn English at home?" Parents often ask how they can support their child’s English learning outside of school. The key is to create a language-rich environment at home. This might involve reading books together, watching educational programs in English, or simply encouraging your child to speak English during daily activities. Parents don’t need to be fluent in English to help their children; just being supportive and providing opportunities for practice can make a huge difference. Supporting English Language Learners is a multifaceted challenge that requires dedication, creativity, and collaboration. By implementing the strategies we’ve discussed today, teachers can help English Language Learners not only succeed academically but also develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive in all areas of life. Thank you for joining us on this deep dive into strategies for supporting English Language Learners. For more resources and further reading, check out the links provided in the episode description. Until next time, keep teaching with valor and making a difference in the lives of your students.