{"id":9123,"date":"2022-01-10T20:20:46","date_gmt":"2022-01-10T14:50:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/?p=9123"},"modified":"2025-03-03T17:16:27","modified_gmt":"2025-03-03T11:46:27","slug":"useful-strategies-to-teach-english-language-learners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/useful-strategies-to-teach-english-language-learners\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Teach English Language to Beginners: 9 Best Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-3e4fb1f0-a333-408c-83a1-0ff835c110b7\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\"\n                    data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\">\n                    <div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column \"><ul><li><a href=https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/useful-strategies-to-teach-english-language-learners\/#1-1-build-relationships-beyond-the-classroom-and-appreciate-their-culture->1. Build Relationships beyond the classroom and Appreciate their Culture<\/a><\/li><li><a href=https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/useful-strategies-to-teach-english-language-learners\/#2-2-regular-check-of-understanding-and-feedback->2. Regular Check of Understanding and Feedback&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/useful-strategies-to-teach-english-language-learners\/#3-3-model-for-them->3. Model for them&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/useful-strategies-to-teach-english-language-learners\/#4-4-modifying-instruction-and-teaching-methodology->4. Modifying Instruction and Teaching Methodology<\/a><\/li><li><a href=https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/useful-strategies-to-teach-english-language-learners\/#5-5-slow-it-down->5. Slow it down!<\/a><\/li><li><a href=https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/useful-strategies-to-teach-english-language-learners\/#6-6-using-multiple-learning-styles->6. Using Multiple Learning Styles<\/a><\/li><li><a href=https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/useful-strategies-to-teach-english-language-learners\/#7-7-focus-on-the-production-skills-from-the-start->7. Focus on the production skills from the start<\/a><\/li><li><a href=https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/useful-strategies-to-teach-english-language-learners\/#8-8-bilingualism-in-the-class->8. Bilingualism in the class<\/a><\/li><li><a href=https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/useful-strategies-to-teach-english-language-learners\/#9-9-leverage-technology->9. Leverage technology<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/useful-strategies-to-teach-english-language-learners\/\" title=\"\">English Language Learners<\/a> require support, both in &amp; outside the classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We must help ELLs comprehend what they hear and learn in the classroom. There are several ways in which we can achieve this.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"sllb-container\">\n    <!-- Left Part -->\n    <div class=\"sllb-left-part\">\n      <!-- Section 1 -->\n\t  <p class=\"sllb-h4\">Math & ELA | PreK To Grade 5<\/p>\n\n      <!-- Section 2 -->\n\t  \n      <p class=\"sllb-h2\">Kids see <span>fun<\/span>.<\/p>\n      <p class=\"sllb-h2\">You see real <span>learning outcomes<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n      <!-- Section 3 -->\n      <p>Watch your kids fall in love with math & reading through our scientifically designed curriculum.<\/p>\n\n      <!-- Section 4 -->\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/parents\/register\" class=\"sllb-cta-button sllb-cta1 sllb-blue\">Parents, try for free<\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/teachers\/register\" class=\"sllb-cta-button sllb-cta2 sllb-blue\">Teachers, use for free<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Right Part -->\n    <div class=\"sllb-right-part\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.splashmath.com\/web_ui\/assets\/images\/loggedout\/home\/mobile_image_banner-ada064cd2ffaa053213b.png\" alt=\"Banner Image\">\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some more <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/ela-games\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ELA games<\/a> to educate and engage your kids!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" id=\"0-strategies-for-english-language-learners\" style=\"color:#090a4a\">Strategies for English Language Learners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-1-build-relationships-beyond-the-classroom-and-appreciate-their-culture-\">1. <strong>Build Relationships beyond the classroom and Appreciate their Culture<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Build relationships not just within the classroom but also beyond. It is essential to get to know your ELL. Learners are most engaged when they feel a personal connection to a lesson or unit, a connection that\u2019s driven by a teacher\u2019s intention to build relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Create a supportive environment that appreciates diversity. It&#8217;s important that students feel they can freely express themselves in an environment where their diverse backgrounds are respected and celebrated. Pair them up with a buddy, preferably one they choose and are comfortable working with and getting along with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Also read: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/useful-strategies-to-teach-english-language-learners\/\" title=\"\">What are English Language Learners &amp; How Can Teachers Help<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-2-regular-check-of-understanding-and-feedback-\">2. <strong>Regular Check of Understanding and Feedback&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like your native English-speaking students, checking your ELL\u2019s understanding regularly is important.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also important to highlight that it\u2019s okay if they don\u2019t understand. You ensure your student is learning and grasping the content by consistently checking in. It also ensures that you are building a supportive environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t assume everything is going well. Give regular and a variety of feedback.<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/teacher-giving-feeback-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"An image of a teacher giving feedback to an English Language Learner\" class=\"wp-image-31884\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/teacher-giving-feeback-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/teacher-giving-feeback-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/teacher-giving-feeback-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/teacher-giving-feeback-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/teacher-giving-feeback-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/teacher-giving-feeback-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/teacher-giving-feeback-1068x713.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/teacher-giving-feeback-1920x1281.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/teacher-giving-feeback-629x420.jpg 629w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/teacher-giving-feeback.jpg 1999w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-3-model-for-them-\">3. <strong>Model for them<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Model for the students what they are expected to do or produce. This essential strategy works wonders. Sharing your thought processes aloud and thoroughly explaining what is to be done would help them break down what is being expected of them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-4-modifying-instruction-and-teaching-methodology-\">4. <strong>Modifying Instruction and Teaching Methodology<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Another strategy that can be used is accommodation. This is essentially adapting language (spoken or written) to make it more understandable to learners whose first language is not English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another thing that can be done to modify instruction is chunking content and steps into manageable sections. Also, offering choices wherever possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It also helps to provide anchor words and charts to equip students with some basic concepts before a new concept is taught. Pre-teach vocabulary, wherever possible, and provide sentence stems to help them structure their sentences.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"502\" height=\"644\" src=\"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/how-to-be-an-active-learner.png\" alt=\"An image showing examples of active learning for English language learners\" class=\"wp-image-31885\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/how-to-be-an-active-learner.png 502w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/how-to-be-an-active-learner-234x300.png 234w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/how-to-be-an-active-learner-150x192.png 150w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/how-to-be-an-active-learner-300x385.png 300w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/how-to-be-an-active-learner-327x420.png 327w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 502px) 100vw, 502px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>It will also be helpful to provide children with quick reference in the form of a few pages of illustrated vocabulary words organized by theme, which they can quickly pull out when needed.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"584\" height=\"708\" src=\"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/modifying-instruction-example.png\" alt=\"Image showing examples of different vocabulary themes for English Language Learners\" class=\"wp-image-31886\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/modifying-instruction-example.png 584w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/modifying-instruction-example-247x300.png 247w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/modifying-instruction-example-150x182.png 150w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/modifying-instruction-example-300x364.png 300w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/modifying-instruction-example-346x420.png 346w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>When communicating with ELLs, add gestures to bolster communication. This helps reinforce the auditory with the visual. Draw or write keywords frequently as they come up during instruction to help students further comprehend what you\u2019re saying.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-5-slow-it-down-\">5. <strong>Slow it down!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Speak slowly. This small but vital change can make a world of difference. You can record yourself speaking to understand your speed and then adjust. Also, adding three to five seconds after a question is posed offers students time to think.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/piano-playing--1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"An image of a teacher teaching piano to a kid slowly\" class=\"wp-image-31887\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/piano-playing--1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/piano-playing--300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/piano-playing--768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/piano-playing--1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/piano-playing--150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/piano-playing--696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/piano-playing--1068x712.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/piano-playing--1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/piano-playing--630x420.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/piano-playing-.jpg 1999w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>However, for ELLs, it means something more. It also gives them time to translate, process their thinking, translate back into English, and develop the courage to answer. They might stop thinking or answering if called upon too soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-6-using-multiple-learning-styles-\">6. <strong>Using Multiple Learning Styles<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Children learn better when they engage with the learning material in multiple ways.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lessons that involve all the skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) and drawing, for example, would give students several opportunities to enhance their understanding of the concept. For ELLs, those additional interactions provide a little breathing space so they can negotiate the communication block.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.edutopia.org\/article\/getting-started-experiential-learning\">Experiential learning<\/a> is another strategy to support ELLs. It\u2019s important to provide opportunities for ELLs to acquire vocabulary and build knowledge through hands-on learning or tactile activities and encourage students to create solutions to proposed problems or tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly, visuals like charts, infographics, and images can help ELLs understand what is being discussed and express themselves. By pointing to an image on a chart, students can tell you what they feel, how much they\u2019ve understood, and so on.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"263\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/different-levels-of-understanding.png\" alt=\"An image showing different levels of understanding of English Language Learners\" class=\"wp-image-31888\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/different-levels-of-understanding.png 263w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/different-levels-of-understanding-225x300.png 225w, https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/different-levels-of-understanding-150x200.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 263px) 100vw, 263px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Posters of mouth formations or videos of someone creating sounds of English letters can be posted around the classroom. This would especially be helpful considering that masks have become a necessity and the mouth of the teacher often isn\u2019t visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-7-focus-on-the-production-skills-from-the-start-\">7. <strong>Focus on the production skills from the start<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Productive language skills like speaking and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/ela\/writing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">writing<\/a> are hard to master in the path to building language fluency but are absolutely essential. Consequently, they should be in focus from day one, even if students feel hesitant about them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-8-bilingualism-in-the-class-\">8. <strong>Bilingualism in the class<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Learning a new language and its culture should be considered an addition to what students know rather than replacing the language they already know.&nbsp;Understanding that&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.daytranslations.com\/blog\/relationship-between-language-and-culture\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">language and culture are intertwined<\/a>&nbsp;helps create a supportive environment where students feel valued and motivated to learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When introducing a topic, encourage students to preview some introductory or related materials in their home language before they come for class. This, again, would make a world of difference in their participation and understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Allow children to transition languages or alternate between English and their native language. This is an essential strategy for ELLs, who often feel intimidated when asked to speak. When students can use their first language to help with learning their second language, it lessens some of the anxiety that can occur. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When putting across complex ideas and thoughts, this helps a lot as it takes away the pressure of the medium of communication and allows them to focus on communicating their ideas.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-9-leverage-technology-\">9. <strong>Leverage technology<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Incorporating technology is an important strategy for supporting English Language Learners in the classroom. Use the internet to let children view videos of activities, events, and places worldwide. This can help students visually as well.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Listening can become very taxing for ELLs, so teachers should add as many support visuals as possible. Technology enables this as images and text can be projected on the screen when learning new concepts.&nbsp; Document cameras make a difference in showing ELLs exactly what you\u2019re talking about rather than trying to explain it.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Kids-in-computer-class-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Image of kids in computer class \" class=\"wp-image-9131\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Besides this, using technology features such as closed captions, voice typing, recording the sessions, watching replays, and using microphones for voice amplification systems can help ELLs understand the nuances of what is being conveyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the above strategies, your ELLs will elevate their learning efforts and make way for a brighter future!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s find more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/resources\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online educational resources<\/a> for kids that will help their learning experience and make them smarter.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wondering about the best strategies for English Language Learners (ELLs) to use in the classroom? ELLs are a diverse group of non-english speaking students who require support &#038; customized teaching methods. Read this blog to know the most useful strategies for your ELLs! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":31883,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ub_ctt_via":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1401],"class_list":{"0":"post-9123","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-ela"},"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/how-to-teach-english-language-to-beginners.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Amy Paige","author_link":"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/author\/amy-paige\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9123","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9123"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9123\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39397,"href":"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9123\/revisions\/39397"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31883"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9123"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.splashlearn.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9123"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}