One of the most challenging things for me as a teacher was reaching my Level 1 ESOL students. Many of them are eager to learn and take advantage of the educational opportunities of this country, but fall far behind in our classes by no fault of their own.
There is no one quick and easy fix when we are faced with blank stares as we try to teach a complex piece of literature or explain an intricate course of historical events to a group of new language learners. There are, however, best practices, practical strategies and resources that can help us scaffold our instruction for this group of deserving students. Below is a list of resources I have found extremely helpful.
1. Teaching Channel’s 5 Strategies for ESOL Instruction
2. Stanford University’s website for their Understanding Language Initiative
3. Free Technology for Teachers 10 Resources for ESOL Teachers
4. Accountable Language Stems for Class Discussion
5. Merriam Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary
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