What is a key practice for assisting English Language Learners in the classroom?

Using visuals and providing context is a fundamental practice for assisting English Language Learners (ELLs) in the classroom. This approach helps to bridge the language barrier by making meaning more accessible. Visual aids, such as pictures, charts, and realia, can support comprehension and retention of information. They allow students to connect new vocabulary and concepts to images, which can enhance their understanding significantly.

Moreover, providing context helps ELLs situate what they are learning within their own experiences or within a relevant framework, which aids in comprehension. Contextualized learning encourages engagement and makes the material more relatable, facilitating better interaction with both the language and the content.

Effective teaching strategies for ELLs include fostering a supportive environment where they can actively participate in learning activities. This can often include collaborative group work rather than assigning tasks that require them to work alone, which might limit their opportunities for practice and engagement with the new language. In contrast to using advanced texts— which may overwhelm ELLs— and focusing solely on their native language, visuals and contextual support create a more inclusive and effective learning atmosphere.