As we quickly jump into a new year of school there are some important things for us to remember for our ESL kiddos. Here are 10 tidbits to remember as we begin a wonderful new year!
1. Don't give ESL students failing grades on their report cards (unless they are just not doing their work). If a student is failing please notify me.
2. Do let me know if a student is failing a subject because we must have an LPAC meeting to discuss how we can better help them succeed.
3. Don't make ELLs make up the work missed while they are in ESL class.
4. Do remember the affective filter is extremely important for ESL students to feel successful in a classroom and safe enough to take risks with their learning.
5. Do remember I have resources in my room you are welcome to use anytime you would like something different or specific to a lesson.
6. Do ask if you need something translated for parents, but please let me know a little in advance. We have someone who does this for the district. We can't afford to have everything translated, but we can do that for important notes home.
7. Don't punish students who were not able to do their homework because they didn't understand it or their parents weren't able to help them.
8. Don't correct your student when they say something the wrong way, just repeat it the right way or work on that later in private.
9. Do give ESL students a chance to talk about what they're learning to help it "stick". If your classroom is expected to be quiet most of the day, it may not be benefiting your ELLs.
10. Do ask the student how they pronounce their name (if you're not sure) so you can make sure you are calling them by name correctly.
Please leave a comment in the feedback spot (that is your sign off that you have received this information). You can just say "thanks" or add a back to school tip you think is important to remember as well, or even a question.
