Building relationships with students Get to know your ELLs. Spend time with students in small groups. Learn how to say and write students' names correctly. Use hands-on learning with ELLs. Share information about student activities. Get to know ELLs' interests. Creating a welcoming classroom Welcome ELLs’ languages. Welcome ELLs’ cultures. Assign a buddy for new students. Ask the class for ideas on welcoming new students. Help ELLs understand classroom routines. Prevent the bullying of ELLs and immigrant students. What you need to know about your students Learn about ELLs' home languages. Learn about students' English language proficiency levels. Learn about ELLs' educational backgrounds. Learn about students’ home countries. Incorporate students' cultures and countries into lessons. Avoid assumptions about students' backgrounds. Tips from veteran ELL teachers Don't forget to smile! Be mindful of the “silent period.” Try one new thing at a time. Give students information in different ways. Avoid asking, "Do you understand?" Put yourself in language learners' shoes. Get familiar with ELL terminology. Building your ELL network Network with colleagues. Learn about your district's ELL resources. Learn about ELL resources in the community and region. Learn about ELL resources in your state. Join ELL networks online. Learning about special populations of students Special population: Students with interrupted education Special popluation: Refugees Special population: Unaccompanied minors Special population: Farmworker families Special population: Long-term ELLs Special population: Indigenous students from Latin America
