Sei Classroom Stategies

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our ELLs. The students with EPLs of 3 should be able to explain, summarize, compare, discuss, express as ways to demonstrate their understanding of lessons. The students with EPLs of 4-5 should be able to analyze, interpret, justify, convince, reflect, infer, and synthesize their understanding.

Another important aspect in properly serving ELL students is gathering educational and literacy information about them. Students benefit when instruction is tailored to their strengths and preferences and expectations are neither too high nor too low for them. This important step in getting to know the students may also be one of the toughest to accomplish. In a perfect world, parents would go to the Parent Information Center and provide the Worcester school district with all the important details that are required for their child to be successful. Unfortunately, many parents are intimidated by the bureaucracy of a school system and/or do not realize the impact providing background information can have on their child’s education. My classroom teachers, and even myself, can use “get to know you” icebreakers to help get students to share information. When I conference with students, I attempt to ask questions that build relationships and build trust. Simple questionnaires can be used to assess prior school experiences and feelings on reading and writing English. Reaching out to the families for information and school experience through phone calls and letters home (in appropriate language) can be important tools. Asking the student’s prior teachers about what has worked in the past and capabilities of the student can improve one’s effectiveness as the teacher. After gathering the information, it is very helpful to research and learn the particulars of a culture. Knowing the “dos & don’ts” of social behavior, cultural/religious traditions, and/or political traditions can help explain why a student may act a certain way. Understanding the particulars of the students in front of you can help you plan lessons, and interactions, that will drive proficiency in English.