ELL Voices in the Classroom by Maureen Ra https://padlet.com/maureenjra/6l3h6rrmrjpz Capacity Building en-us 2017-03-06 14:03:39 UTC 2017-03-07 03:09:49 UTC hello@padlet.com What an educator should know about this issue before working with ELLs maureenjra https://padlet.com/maureenjra/6l3h6rrmrjpz/wish/158018284
  • Oral language is the foundation of literacy. All children learn to talk long before they begin to learn to read and write, and early literacy instruction is based on what they already understand and can say. 
  • A good language learning
    environment enables ELLs to develop the oral language skills (listening and speaking) that will provide a foundation for the development of literacy.
  • Research from around the world suggests that oral language activities can be structured
    to provide maximally effective programs for English language learners in mainstream
    classrooms 
    • ]]>     2017-03-06 14:05:42 UTC https://padlet.com/maureenjra/6l3h6rrmrjpz/wish/158018284     Any relevant underlying theories maureenjra https://padlet.com/maureenjra/6l3h6rrmrjpz/wish/158018574 “ELLs learn English primarily by listening to
    language in use around them, while using
    context to figure out what the spoken words
    mean. This language serves as the input or data
    that learners internalize and use to express
    their own meanings in their interactions
    with others.”
    (Thomas & Collier, 2002)]]>     2017-03-06 14:06:24 UTC https://padlet.com/maureenjra/6l3h6rrmrjpz/wish/158018574     Practical strategies that will benefit ELLs maureenjra https://padlet.com/maureenjra/6l3h6rrmrjpz/wish/158018680
  • Teachers need to make space in the classroom for students’ languages 
  • Respect the silent period. Many ELLs pass through a silent period when they say very little, and what they do say may consist of memorized phrases.  Teachers can offer alternative ways for students to demonstrate their learning – for example, using
    graphic organizers to convey knowledge.
  • Maximize co-operative learning strategies. Co-operative learning strategies such as small group discussions, “real world” problem solving and literature circles have been found to be particularly beneficial for all students.  The increased opportunities for talk are especially beneficial to ELLs. 
  • Develop conversational strategies.  To implement co-operative learning successfully, it is important to focus on the social skills required to manage disagreement, take turns or offer help.  
  • Connect to prior knowledge and skills.  Finding ways to help children connect new learning to prior knowledge and experience helps all students learn. With ELLs, the challenge is to connect new concepts and new vocabulary to knowledge and skills they already have in their own language.
  • Provide additional contextual support including manipulatives/visuals/etc, key words, encourage oral rehearsal of key ideas/vocabulary, give clear instructions, check often for comprehension
  • Model language use specifically pronunciation of new words, syntax in modelling specific language patterns, and linking words and phrases
  • Provide supportive feedback.
    • ]]>     2017-03-06 14:06:40 UTC https://padlet.com/maureenjra/6l3h6rrmrjpz/wish/158018680     Questions educators could ask themselves to ensure they are addressing the area maureenjra https://padlet.com/maureenjra/6l3h6rrmrjpz/wish/158018800
  •  What kind of language am I using in the classroom?
  • Am I providing plentiful opportunities for structured small group interaction in the classroom?
  • Am I using a variety of assessment
    tools to identify ELLs’ strengths and needs?
    • ]]>     2017-03-06 14:06:55 UTC https://padlet.com/maureenjra/6l3h6rrmrjpz/wish/158018800     Any questions you are left with after reading maureenjra https://padlet.com/maureenjra/6l3h6rrmrjpz/wish/158018944 Are there any time constraints teachers are working with in implementing the suggested strategies, while needing to cover the curriculum? Or are the suggested strategies beneficial when it comes to getting through the curriculum?]]> 2017-03-06 14:07:17 UTC https://padlet.com/maureenjra/6l3h6rrmrjpz/wish/158018944