Need advice with ESL

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Reading Teachers Chatboard

Need advice with ESL

by Mary Apitsiauri

Feb 22, 2011

I am studying to be a second ed English teacher. One of my biggest worries is accommodating ESL students in my classroom , especially when it comes to writing. I would love to hear how you have experienced this and what are some great techniques or advice for incorporating ESL students in the writing process. I am not sure how a student without English language skills can be involved in the English classroom. How do you make sure they are not left behind and simply stare at the wall for the entire class period. I would appreciate your expertise and advice.

thank you,

Mary

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Sara On 2/22/11, Mary Apitsiauri wrote: > I am studying to be a second ed English teacher. One of my > biggest worries is accommodating ESL students in my > classroom , especially when it comes to writing. I would > love to hear how you have experienced this and what are some > great techniques or advice for incorporating ESL students in ...See MoreOn 2/22/11, Mary Apitsiauri wrote: > I am studying to be a second ed English teacher. One of my > biggest worries is accommodating ESL students in my > classroom , especially when it comes to writing. I would > love to hear how you have experienced this and what are some > great techniques or advice for incorporating ESL students in > the writing process. I am not sure how a student without > English language skills can be involved in the English > classroom. How do you make sure they are not left behind and > simply stare at the wall for the entire class period. > I would appreciate your expertise and advice. > > thank you, > > Mary

Any teacher who is as proactive as you will do fine with any student. Put your ESLs near you and warmly smile at them. Ask them to teach you and the class a few words of their language. There are always words that are similar from language to language. And any language exposure the ESL kids get is good. The more expression you can put on your face, use gestures - it's not only helpful to your ESL kids but to your native speakers as well. The more animated you are, the better everyone hears and understands.

As to writing, let them dictate to you or a willing classmate who acts as their scribe. If their writing is elementary, 'beef it up' as you write it out for them. Their confidence soars when they see what they've written with your help.

Language is language and any language stimulates the brain and the language learning process. Just a tip too - we're moving away from calling 'ESL' that - we're finally realizing that for some to many students they speak several languages and English is not their second language but their third or fourth language... only here in the States where few of us speak a second language do we automatically think that English would be their second language. English Language Learners is the more modern and often more accurate phrase to use when speaking of the students we have too long called 'ESL'.

Good luck but I think you're a natural whose ELL students will be lucky to have you.

Feb 23, 2011

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Luria Learning Mary,

You are correct to be concerned about ESL students and writing. This is the area where they tend to struggle the most. There are many things that can be effective in teaching writing. Make sure you model your thinking out loud. Use sentence frames with the students. Use graphic organizers to help students with their ideas. Have edit...See More

Mar 3, 2011

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