What if all teachers were skilled in working with ELL and ESL students?

At Hartwell – The Educators University, all graduates complete courses teaching ELL and ESL students.

Teaching English Language Learners (ELLs) and English as a Second Language (ESL) students can be challenging, but it’s crucial to provide them with equal access to the curriculum. These students are often overlooked, and their unique needs may not receive the same attention as those of special education students. However, with the right accommodations and strategies, educators can effectively support their language acquisition and academic success.

One key aspect to understand is the difference between Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) and Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP). BICS refers to the social language proficiency required for everyday conversations, while CALP involves the academic language needed for academic tasks and content learning. Recognizing this distinction is essential for tailoring instruction and support.

Communication is a critical factor when working with ELL and ESL students. Teachers should avoid using idioms, acronyms, and complex language structures that may confuse these learners. Instead, they should speak clearly and slowly, use visual aids and hand gestures, and provide opportunities for students to practice and receive feedback.

It’s also important to understand the five stages of second language acquisition:

  1. Pre-production (silent period)
  2. Early production
  3. Speech emergence
  4. Intermediate fluency
  5. Advanced fluency

During the pre-production stage, students may experience a silent period where they have a limited vocabulary and may feel stressed or overwhelmed. Patience and encouragement are crucial during this stage.

By understanding these stages and implementing appropriate accommodations and communication strategies, educators can create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for ELL and ESL students.

 

About Hartwell – The Educators University

Hartwell is dedicated to empowering K-12 education leaders by fostering the growth of their people into competent and compassionate educators and leaders. Our mission is to ensure every child is taught by educators trained from a biblical worldview, emphasizing both excellence and empathy. Through our affordable online pathways to education degrees, we make careers in K-12 education accessible to everyone, enabling a new generation of teachers and leaders to inspire and educate future generations.

Discover more about our programs and scholarship opportunities at Hartwell.

 

Sources:

– Haynes, J. (2007). “Explaining BICS and CALP.” Everythingesl.net, https://www.everythingesl.net/inservices/bics_calp.php

– Krashen, S. D., & Terrell, T. D. (1983). The natural approach: Language acquisition in the classroom. Hayward, CA: Alemany Press.