Differentiating For ELL Students

Last week, I started on a group assignment in one of my classes.  We were put into groups and asked to research one of five different people groups and give resources and info regarding how to teach this particular group and a background of information about this people group.  My group chose the Hispanic community and it had me thinking about my own classroom and how I plan to engage ELL (English Language Learners) as well as help them succeed. 


In the following link, I found many great resources and teaching aides to help instruction for this group of students:
http://www.csun.edu/science/ref/language/teaching-ell.html




Among the list, there were ideas and tactics that stated speaking slowly and writing down key terms helps the student to comprehend and process what is being taught.  You could even make sure to use closed captioning in videos to help them follow along in the process.  The use of visual elements as well can enhance the comprehension levels of many students.  Using Graphic Organizers like Vin Diagrams, Graphs, and pie charts are all ways in which you can encourage and engage some ELL students.  Grouping students with strong English speaking students as well can help with ELL students as well as any student who may need Speech assistance.  Using Think/Pair/Share as well can be an invaluable tool to help you as the teacher as well as the other students get the most out of each lesson.  In an article from Edutopia:"Do model for students what they are expected to do or produce, especially for new skills or activities, by explaining and demonstrating the learning actions, sharing your thinking processes aloud, and showing good teacher and student work samples. Don't just tell students what to do and expect them to do it" The article goes on to explain that it is wise to develop non verbal cues as well (gestures, visuals, other non verbal cues) to instruct and lead ELL students.  It is important as well for them to develop both their home language as well as English in the process.  I could see it as a challenge especially students with Learning Difficulties on top of ELL status, but one I am ready to take on.  I think with any learner, these methods can be used to everyone's benefit in the classroom. 


I would plan to use these methods and more in my own classroom.  I believe having all of the classroom work together would greatly benefit each student as well as make for a more productive day.  I would not rely on the English speaking students to carry that burden alone, but would use it as a resource and at the same time make the classroom a lot more diverse.  I think we can all learn in the process.  The most important part is making sure you are teaching to the entire classroom and modifying to accommodate each student on their level.  That is the balance: Teaching each student appropriately so that the advanced learners are not bored and get behind, and those who are a bit behind can catch up.


This would connect to the NCPTS: 2-->Teachers establish a respectful environment for a diverse population of students.  It is important to make sure ALL students are getting quality instruction that benefits them no matter where they came from.  And 4:Teachers facilitate learning for their students.  This will ensure that learning is top notch for all students in the classroom.


Works Cited:


http://www.edutopia.org/blog/esl-ell-tips-ferlazzo-sypnieski
http://www.csun.edu/science/ref/language/teaching-ell.html