When you think of an ELL classroom what first comes to mind? Children practicing the English alphabet, repeating English words and phrases, or using flashcards? All of these are tools an ELL teacher can employ, but there are many other ways a teacher can teach non-native English speakers. There may be times that a teacher has to teach specific subjects in the ELL classroom, because the students are falling behind in their regular classroom. For example, the teacher I work with has a group of fifth graders to whom she teaches Social Studies. These students are given the opportunity to leave their regular classroom during a set time and spend an hour with the ELL teacher going over the same book as their peers, but with the help they need.
There are several benefits to teaching ELLs in this way. Teaching a subject in the ELL classroom gives those students a chance to catch up with their peers, helps them be able to take the subject in smaller bites and ask clarifying questions, and they receive more content that American students may not need.
Students in an ELL classroom are usually at the same grade level in every way, in fact, if they were taught the same material in their native language they would learn just as quickly as their English-speaking peers. Teaching them in English throws a curve into their learning process that specific subject focus in the ELL classroom can help.
Focusing on a specific subject can also give EL students an opportunity to take things as they can and ask questions when they don’t understand. The environment may also give the students more freedom to ask questions about something that may seem like common knowledge to everyone else. They are less likely to be embarrassed by their own ignorance,
We all know that culture plays greatly into education. Some of the students that end up in the ELL class have very little background in American culture. This is where the ELL teacher focusing on specific subjects can be useful. Going back to the example of my practicum class, non-native students will have little to no background for United States History, so having them in the ELL classroom gives the opportunity to stop and explain why certain things are happening what something means.
Being an ESL student in a regular class can be hard, but the ELL teacher can be a great help. By not only teaching students how to read, write, speak, and listen in English teachers can help them to grow in their understanding. Taking time to focus on a specific subject for those students that need it will help them stay on track with their peers, receive the subject in manageable parts, and learn more content not required by their American counterparts.
There are several benefits to teaching ELLs in this way. Teaching a subject in the ELL classroom gives those students a chance to catch up with their peers, helps them be able to take the subject in smaller bites and ask clarifying questions, and they receive more content that American students may not need.
Students in an ELL classroom are usually at the same grade level in every way, in fact, if they were taught the same material in their native language they would learn just as quickly as their English-speaking peers. Teaching them in English throws a curve into their learning process that specific subject focus in the ELL classroom can help.
Focusing on a specific subject can also give EL students an opportunity to take things as they can and ask questions when they don’t understand. The environment may also give the students more freedom to ask questions about something that may seem like common knowledge to everyone else. They are less likely to be embarrassed by their own ignorance,
We all know that culture plays greatly into education. Some of the students that end up in the ELL class have very little background in American culture. This is where the ELL teacher focusing on specific subjects can be useful. Going back to the example of my practicum class, non-native students will have little to no background for United States History, so having them in the ELL classroom gives the opportunity to stop and explain why certain things are happening what something means.
Being an ESL student in a regular class can be hard, but the ELL teacher can be a great help. By not only teaching students how to read, write, speak, and listen in English teachers can help them to grow in their understanding. Taking time to focus on a specific subject for those students that need it will help them stay on track with their peers, receive the subject in manageable parts, and learn more content not required by their American counterparts.
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Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.