English as a Second Language Strategies

 

      When teaching ESL learners, it is important to use teaching strategies that are effective and that will maximize their learning. The Ontario Ministry of Education (2001) provides teachers with essential strategies to help teach ESL students. Here are the strategies discussed in the curriculum:

 

Strategies for Supporting the Newly Arrived ESL Student     

    These strategies help facilitate a smooth and easy transition into the new school. They will also influence the ESL students’ confidence, social adjustment, motivation, and desire to learn. For example:

  • Practice and pronounce the students' name correctly.
  • Allow the ESL students to sit somewhere in the classroom where they can see and hear all activities. Place them near students who will help and support them.
  • Make sure that the ESL students are aware of the school schedule and bus schedule. Show them where the school facilities are, including the washrooms, gym, and library.
  • Teach the students how to communicate in English basic personal information, such as their phone number.
  • Assign ESL students a classroom job (e.g., distributing pages) to help them with their socialization.
  • Provide the students with materials, such as a bilingual or picture dictionary, picture books, and dual-language books, to help students learn English.
  • Use themes suitable for their grade level to develop their vocabulary.

Strategies for Ongoing Classroom Use With ESL Students

  • Plan lessons and use resources that relate to ESL students' prior knowledge and experiences.
  • Apply interesting and relevant content as a vehicle for English language instruction.
  • Modify curriculum expectations and assessment tools based on students' levels of proficiency.
  • Use a variety of visual, simplified, and bilingual materials.
  • Use the students' first language when needed to better communicate with the ESL students.
  • Allow the students to practice their English across various subject areas.
  • Work and share information with other ESL teachers.

Strategies for Integrating ESL Students Into the Academic and Social Environment of the Classroom

    Students learn a language best when they make inferences. Here are some strategies to help students make connections with what they already know:

  • Use simple and straightforward words in simple sentences.
  • Reintroduce acquired words in a different context and use them to introduce new concepts or information.
  • Highlight important information by pausing between sentences, using gestures, raising pitch, and using repetition.
  • Use non-verbal cues (e.g., gestures and facial expressions) to help ESL students comprehend the meaning of what you are trying to say.
  • Give ESL students enough time to think in their first language and compose a response in English.
  • Check frequently for students' comprehension.
  • Speak naturally and use their first language for support.
  • Use visual materials that will help develop thinking skills, such as comparing, contrasting and classifying.