ESL Classroom Activity by

Characteristics of an ESL Classroom

kshriver2_1 — 2024-03-25 13:51:19 UTC

Purpose: to ensure bilingual students can learn English enough to receive a successful education in school
Format: Many ESL classes pull students out of their typical class and meet with them in small groups
Length of Instruction: Most ESL teachers meet with students for 30-60 minutes, a couple of times a week. Depending on how much the child struggles with English, this could change.
Teacher Qualifications: ESL teachers require a Bachelor's Degree in education, they also need a separate ESL teaching certification (separate from typical teaching certification).

ESL Class Definition:

kshriver2_1 — 2024-03-25 14:03:16 UTC

A second language class, or program, where students learn English. They learn how to listen, write, read and speak in English.

Strategy 1. Speak Slowly & Enunciate

kshriver2_1 — 2024-03-25 14:06:38 UTC

Students who are struggling with English require teachers to speak clearly and enunciate sounds more than they typically would.

Strategy 2. Group Work

kshriver2_1 — 2024-03-25 14:08:04 UTC

Students may be more successful in learning English if they get to collaborate with other students who speak the same native language as them.

Strategy 3. Using Images and Pictures

kshriver2_1 — 2024-03-25 14:11:35 UTC

Using images and pictures of the topics can help students connect the words to the object easier. Pictures can be easily understood since they are universal objects.

Strategy 4. Create a Relationship

kshriver2_1 — 2024-03-25 14:14:57 UTC

Learning a new language is very frightening and the student will be more successful if the teacher creates a trusting, caring relationship.

Ways to Engage Parents/Community

kshriver2_1 — 2024-03-25 14:26:04 UTC

Host a New Parent Event:

This will familiarize the parents with the teacher. They can also discuss techniques and goals for the children.

Ways to Engage Parents/Community

kshriver2_1 — 2024-03-25 14:28:09 UTC

Encourage Parents to Volunteer

Volunteering allows parents to get involved and create a stronger connection with their child's teachers.

Ways to Engage Parents/Community

kshriver2_1 — 2024-03-25 14:29:29 UTC

Send activities home with kids

Sending activities home with the kids encourages parents to work with them at home. It also allows them to see the activities that the teacher is planning.

Ways to Engage Parents/Community

kshriver2_1 — 2024-03-25 14:33:00 UTC

Host an Event

Hosting an event based on what you are doing in your ESL class can bring attention from the community and parents to the program.

Ways to Engage Parents/Community

kshriver2_1 — 2024-03-25 14:35:15 UTC

Have a Tool for Translation

Making an extra effort to be able to communicate effectively with parents will make them feel welcomed and allow them to see the effort you are putting in.

References:

kshriver2_1 — 2024-03-25 14:39:03 UTC

Alien. (2020, November 16). How Do I Get ESL Certified in Texas? Teacher Builder. https://www.teacherbuilder.com/blog/how-do-i-get-esl-certified-in-texas/

Breiseth, L., Robertson, K., & Lafond, S. (2015, November 30). Encouraging and Sustaining ELL Parent Engagement. Colorín Colorado; Colorín Colorado. https://www.colorincolorado.org/article/encouraging-and-sustaining-ell-parent-engagement

Kaplan, E. (2019, April 12). 6 Essential Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/6-essential-strategies-teaching-english-language-learners/

Types of ESL Programs - 5 Steps to Study Abroad Success: Step1 Research - ApplyESL.com. (n.d.). Www.applyesl.com. Retrieved March 25, 2024, from https://www.applyesl.com/navi/step/?tid=01030010&lid=0#:~:text=Typically%2C%20courses%20are%20from%20Monday

University of San Diego. (2022, March 21). 11 Essential strategies for teaching english language learners [For any teacher]. University of San Diego - Professional & Continuing Education. https://pce.sandiego.edu/11-essential-strategies-for-teaching-english-language-learners-for-any-teacher/

Strategy 5: Teach Along with the Curriculum

kshriver2_1 — 2024-03-25 14:44:37 UTC

Instead of teaching children basic English words, teach them English across all subjects. This will ensure they know basic terms in each subject and will further their success in those topics.