Integrating ELLs into Mainstream Classrooms

When it comes to better integrating ELLs into mainstream classrooms, children are not just empty glasses that teachers can pour stuff into; then on exam day, dump it back out, says one ELL teacher in the article “12 Ways to Support English Learners in the Mainstream Classroom.” If teachers really want kids to learn, they need to figure out how to engage them, she states.

To assist ELL students in feeling more comfortable while getting them more involved, the article says classes need to be less teacher-led, whole-class instruction with more small groups, instead, as they are lower-risk and more personal.

Keep in mind the level of competency, too, says the journal article “Strategies to Support ELLs in Mainstream Classrooms.” For instance, beginning level ELL students can be asked to answer simple questions with a yes or no and with the simple sentence stem like “I see.” Intermediate students can be asked open-ended questions, and more advanced students can be asked a mix of open-ended and comparison questions.

The article about better integrating ELLs into mainstream classrooms says to give English language learners a jump start by giving them their assignments ahead of time. For example, if the class is going to be reading about George Washington on Friday, give them the text several days before so they can read it at home at their pace.

When ELLs are still new to a language, studies are now indicating that it’s okay for them to use their native language from time to time in a mainstream classroom. It certainly will make them feel more comfortable, and that’s just as important.

Better integrating ELLs into mainstream classrooms is a lot easier when parents are involved. One Latino family outreach program, The Latino Family Literacy Project, continues to have great success throughout the country with its various literacy programs. Through a number of set workshops, The Project guides parents on the benefits of setting up an at-home, reading program using bilingual books. Teachers can attend a one-day, program training at a workshop near them or via an online webinar.