Shownotes
Feeling overwhelmed by the challenge of connecting with your English language learners?
In this episode of Equipping ELLs, we kick off a four-part series that provides a clear, actionable framework to help you support your ELL students with confidence. Today, we dive into the first step: understanding who your ELL students are. From uncovering their unique backgrounds and cultural influences to building strong connections, this episode will guide you in asking the right questions to truly get to know your students. Join us as we explore practical strategies and activities tailored to different language proficiency levels, setting you up for a successful school year.
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Transcripts
Welcome to Equipping ELLs, the podcast dedicated to providing you with the tools, strategies, and insights you need to effectively support your English Language Learners. I’m Beth, and I’m thrilled to have you with us as we begin a series focused on a powerful four-step framework designed to help you connect with and support your ELL students this school year.
As educators, we all aim to provide our students with the lessons and support they need without feeling overwhelmed. Today, we’re kicking off a series that will guide you through a framework c
entered around four essential questions: who, what, how, and when? Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore each step in detail so that you can approach this school year with confidence and clarity.
In today’s episode, we’re focusing on the first question: Who? Specifically, who are your ELL students? Understanding their backgrounds, experiences, and needs is the cornerstone of effective teaching. Let’s explore how you can learn more about your students to build strong connections and set them up for success.
Step 1 of our framework is all about digging deeper to truly understand who your ELL students are. This year, I challenge you to become an investigator—uncovering the unique stories, experiences, and cultures that each of your students brings to the classroom.
To do this effectively, it’s essential to ask the right questions. Here are some key questions that can help you gain a deeper understanding of your students:
Background and Culture:
Where is your student from?
What languages are spoken at home?
What cultural traditions or holidays are important to them?
How does their culture influence their learning style or behavior in the classroom?
Family and Community:
What does their family structure look like?
Who are the key people in their life?
Is there a significant community or cultural group they identify with?
How involved are their parents or guardians in their education, and how can you support them in engaging more?
Educational Journey:
What previous schooling experiences have they had?
Have they attended school in other countries? If so, what were those experiences like?
What challenges have they faced in their educational journey so far?
What are their strengths and areas for growth academically?
Interests and Aspirations:
What are their hobbies or interests outside of school?
What subjects do they enjoy most, and why?
What are their goals for the future?
How can you connect their personal interests to the content you’re teaching?
Social and Emotional Well-being:
How comfortable do they feel in your classroom?
Do they have friends or feel connected to their peers?
What are their greatest fears or anxieties about school?
How do they handle stress or challenges?
By asking these questions, you’ll gain a more comprehensive understanding of who your students are, beyond just their academic needs. This knowledge will enable you to create a more supportive and responsive learning environment tailored to each student.
Segment 2: 5 Ways to Connect with Your ELL Students
With these questions in mind, let’s discuss five practical ways to connect with your ELL students at the beginning of the year. I’ll also share specific lesson ideas tailored to different language proficiency levels to help you get started.
For Level 1 Students (Beginning Language Learners): Drawing Their World
Lesson Idea: Invite your Level 1 students to draw pictures of things they like and don’t like. Since these students are just beginning to acquire English, visuals are a powerful way to communicate. After they complete their drawings, you can work together to label the items in English. This activity helps you learn about their preferences while also building their English vocabulary in a fun, low-pressure way.
For Level 2 Students (Emerging Language Learners): Personal Picture Books
Lesson Idea: Have your Level 2 students create a simple picture book about themselves. They can include pictures of their family, favorite foods, hobbies, and more. Encourage them to write a few words or short sentences in English to describe each picture. This project helps them practice writing in English while also sharing their personal story with you.
For Level 3 Students (Developing Language Learners): Cultural Interview
Lesson Idea: Pair your Level 3 students with a peer who can interview them about their culture, using a set of guided questions. They can ask about traditional foods, holidays, and customs. After the interview, the students can work together to present what they’ve learned to the class. This activity fosters peer connections and helps students practice speaking and listening in English.
For Level 4 Students (Expanding Language Learners): Personal Timeline
Lesson Idea: Ask your Level 4 students to create a personal timeline that highlights key moments in their life. They can include important events like their move to a new country, starting school, or learning a new skill. Encourage them to write a few sentences about each event. This activity allows them to reflect on their experiences while practicing more complex English sentence structures.
For Level 5 Students (Bridging Language Learners): "All About Me" Essays
Lesson Idea: For your Level 5 students, assign an “All About Me” essay where they can write in detail about their background, interests, and goals. Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings, using a wide range of vocabulary and grammar. This task not only helps you understand their aspirations but also challenges them to refine their English writing skills.
Segment 3: Practical Tips
As you start to implement these strategies, here are a few practical tips to ensure success:
Create a system for jotting down your observations. : Foster a classroom culture where all students feel respected and valued. Incorporate their cultural backgrounds into lessons and classroom activities.
Be Patient and Observant: Building relationships takes time. Pay attention to non-verbal cues and adjust your approach based on each student’s comfort level and engagement.
Be mindful of putting your students on the spot to speak. This will only breakdown the trust, over building it.
As we conclude today’s episode, remember that understanding who your ELL students are is the first and most crucial step in supporting their learning. By asking the right questions and taking the time to connect with each student, you’re laying the groundwork for a successful and enriching school year.
Join us next week as we move on to the second step in our framework: What? We’ll explore what specific supports and resources you can provide to meet the unique needs of your ELL students.
Thank you for tuning in to Equipping ELLs. I look forward to continuing this journey with you. Until next time, keep striving to understand, connect, and support every student in your classroom.
Thank you for listening to this episode of Equipping ELLs. If you found today’s episode helpful, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. For more tips and resources, follow us on instagram at Equipping ELLs. Let’s work together to make this school year a success, one step at a time.