ELL Resources for Teachers
Quick Guide to Adapting Lessons for ELs (PPT)
Modifying Assignments for Newcomers/ELs (Examples Included)
Why modify? Watch this video about a newcomer in a regular classroom. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6Y0HAjLKYI&feature=youtu.be
Making Text Accessible for ELs: SupprtEd video and Webpage: https://getsupported.net/makingtextaccessible/
Helpful Hints for Teaching Newcomers/Beginning ELLs
- Please include your newcomer/ELL in class activities and lessons. Regular interaction with an English-speaking teacher and peers is ESSENTIAL!
- Spending the majority of their time secluded on a computer is rarely helpful to newcomers and is a form of discrimination.
- Modifying lessons does not necessarily require making new ones, just changing/adapting what you’ve already created.
- Your ESL teacher is there as a support for the students and as a resource for you. The real difference is made in your classroom.
ReWordify: Enter complex text and watch it be simplified! http://rewordify.com/
General Strategies:
- Use simple instructions with simple language!
- Use lots of visuals! (photos, realia, etc.)
- As much as possible, meet the student at his or her current academic level.
- Have high expectations!
Modifying Assignments/Assessments/Tests:
- Shorten length (i.e.- half as many vocabulary words -cross out half the questions on worksheets or tests)
- Eliminate choices - (i.e.-for multiple choice questions cross out 1 or 2 of the answers)
- Provide a word bank
- Underline clues - (i.e.- key words or phrases)
- Simplify language -(i.e.- more straightforward language, eliminate words)
- Use cloze versions of worksheets/tests
- Allow students to draw pictures to demonstrate knowledge
- Allow students to label a picture or diagram
- Allow students to draw lines to connect words with matching picture
Instructional Modifications:
- break assignments into segments or shorter tasks
- relate information to student’s experiences. Activate prior knowledge
- reduce the number of concepts introduced at any one time
- monitor the level of language you use to communicate idea
- check for comprehension throughout the lesson by asking the students to retell, explain, describe
- provide outlines or study guides
- monitor the rate at which you present material
- use graphic organizers consistently
- use English/Native language dictionary for secondary level students
- avoid idiomatic language
- follow predictable routines
- have students sit near the front
- assign a buddy.
- use collaborative groups
- increase amount of time allowed completing assignments and test or reducing the amount of work.
- avoid large amounts of written work, both in class and homework.
- provide visual explanation of concepts
- Total Physical Response
- provide “realia” or real life examples of things
- use rubric to preteach each and model expectations
- use visuals/”hands-on” manipulatives
- use gestures to convey meaning non-verbally
- build on the prior knowledge of students (make connections with students’ cultures, experiences, interests and skills)
- highlight/review/repeat key points and vocabulary frequently
- establish consistent classroom routines/list steps for completing assignments
- use yes/no, either/or, wh- questions and why/how
- create story and semantic maps
- use “Language Experience Approach”
- plan ways for ELLs to participate in class and in cooperative learning groups
- use audio tapes to reinforce learning
- use simplified books/texts that cover content-area concepts
- display Word Walls and charts
http://www.lakewoodcityschools.org/userfiles/2191/Classes/8975/Hurleys-ESL-Modifications.pdf
Modifying instruction is critical to ESL students’ success. However, modifying instruction doesn’t mean creating a second lesson plan or curriculum; it just means changing some of the ways you do things. Most of your native English-speaking students can benefit from modifications as well. The site goes on to list examples of modifications that are helpful.
http://teachersfirst.com/content/esl/adaptstrat.cfm#newvocab
"Adapt-a-Strategy: Adjusting Lessons for ESL/ELL Students"
Teaching Arabic Speaking Students