ABCs of Addressing the Needs of ELD Students
Amplify and Simplify
- Front-load new vocabulary
- Reiterate sophisticated terms
- Plan Content and Language Objectives
- Help them focus on what's most important without “dumbing it down”
- Ask high-level questions at ALL levels of proficiency
Build on Funds of Knowledge
- Assess prior knowledge
- Anticipate misconceptions
- Use first language(s) and culture as a resource
- Invite connections to prior life experiences
Check for Understanding through Comprehensible Output
- Use frequent formative assessments to monitor learning
- Know levels of language proficiency and use them to check with varied levels of questions
- Consult ELPs and ELD Academic Plan to modify and accommodate
- Craft ways for students to demonstrate their knowledge and rehearse language
- Include metacognitive, strategic thinking strategies
Deliver Content through Comprehensible Input
- Utilize assessment information to deliver instruction
- Break input into digestible chunks
- Assure opportunities for SWRL (Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening) across content areas daily
- Use repetition, authentic visuals and manipulatives (such as gestures, photographs, hands-on activities, demos and video clips)
Engage Students and Families
- Structure interactive vs. passive learning
- Utilize the strengths of families to enrich the learning experience for all students
- Build bridges across cultural and linguistic differences
Focus on Relationships
- Learn to pronounce students' names correctly
- Be a story seeker - get to know your students
- Use predictive empathy to anticipate social and emotional needs
- Collaborate to celebrate
