English Language Learners especially benefit from a culturally responsive classroom where they feel seen, heard, and appreciated. ELL students in particular need to feel secure that their classroom is a supportive and safe environment for them to take risks when practicing their new language. The student's first language, their country of origin, and their culture are an important and foundational part of their identity. It is vital that, as educators, we take this into consideration when teaching our students and designing curricula that honors and represents students of all backgrounds.
Student Activities for ESL Activities
ELL Activities
The lessons above are designed to be a combination of giving students a culturally responsive, personal connection to the activity as well as an opportunity to practice their English grammar and vocabulary. Teachers know that students learn best when they are given different ways to show what they know. Activities should involve a mix of speaking, writing, reading, listening, interacting with peers, and drawing or creating storyboards!
These lessons range from an "All About Me" where students can share different aspects of their lives, to a country project where students can share about their native country, to grammar practice with various tenses. Students are also provided the opportunity to practice dialogue and local customs in different situations: a restaurant, a store and at a friend's house. These lessons are all completely customizable and teachers can edit them to suit the needs of their students.
How to Encourage Students to Practice English Outside the Classroom
Ask Parents for Cooperation
Parents, siblings and relatives can try to introduce basic vocabulary to students throughout the day. When they see people in their surroundings trying to speak English, they would feel more comfortable practicing outside the classroom.
Recommend Movies, Books and Cartoons
Use entertainment to promote the interest of students in the language. Teachers can recommend good movies, cartoons and books that they can relate to so that it can teach them a good moral lesson and get them more interested in the language.
Create a Language Corner in the Classroom
Stick a chart paper on a wall in the corner where students can write or post their favorite characters from the movies/ books and their favorite words that they learned.
Celebrate their Progress and Enthusiasm
Encourage healthy competition for students who are more enthusiastic about learning and constantly provide words of motivation and appreciation to other students.
Frequently Asked Questions about ESL Activities
How can teachers magnify the scope of these activities in the classroom?
ESL activities have different topics and scopes. These activities can be undertaken by teachers of different subjects. English teachers can collaborate with teachers from other departments such as arts and social studies. These teachers can then incorporate basic vocabularies while teaching students how to draw or telling them about different countries and their cultures.
How can teachers teach the same activities to students with varying levels of proficiencies in different languages?
Teachers can tailor these activities for students who are less proficient than others. They can also encourage collaboration and teamwork with students with a higher proficiency. Dividing them into groups and then giving them tasks will help them learn more from each other. Since they all are from different backgrounds and cultures they would need individual attention and customized tasks.
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