English Language Learners

The majority of schools that we teach in are culturally diverse. Usually a school has one dominant culture or first language that is spoken, but almost every teacher is going to face the challenge of having a language barrier with his/her students. In diverse classrooms it is very important to acknowledge all of the cultures within the classroom. That could mean that the teacher makes a point to celebrate the holidays for all cultures in the classroom. The teacher could show pictures or have decor in the classroom that makes the students feel safe in the classroom. Teachers must make connections with their students and learn all about them. The English language must be taught throughout all subject areas. It is so important that teachers do not overlook the language that comes with learning science or math and that we acknowledge that vocabulary and teach it to our ELL students. This language may come natural for English speaking students, but it will not come so easy for our ELL students unless we directly teach it. We must provide extra time for our ELL students when waiting for a response or completing an activity. These students are hearing an unfamiliar language and having to translate it in their brain and figure out what is being said and then respond. We must give students ample time to go through this process. Google translate is great way tool to use to translate for our ELL students. The teacher can translate directions for an activity or a math word problem or even simple conversations amongst students. Teachers should strive to have equity in their classroom rather than equality. It is much more important to give every student what they need to be successful rather than treating everyone the same. Give your students what they need to succeed!


I learned a lot about teaching ELL students. I learned that it is important to provide a safe environment for our students that incorporates all of the cultures in the class. I also learned that it is important to slow our speech when speaking to ELL so that they have time to process the language that is being spoken to them. I learned that it is vital to provide our students with what each of them need to succeed rather than providing them with equal supports because all of our students have different needs. I plan to use all of these strategies mentioned in my future classroom to support all of the ELL students in the class. I plan to teach my students about other cultures in the class and even give students the opportunity to teach their peers about their own culture. Get to know your students and welcome all the various cultures into your classroom with open arms!

The video below explains how important it is to learn about students' cultures