Our English language learners need special attention. Their struggle with language is deeper than our English only students because they have vocabulary to acquire in addition to learning phonics. Here are some specific activities aimed at helping your EBs.
Allow EBs to use their full language repetoire in class discussions and in writing. You will find they can process new information better when they have the choice in how to communicate.
Read aloud translingual books, that is, books in English that are set in their culture and/or have some words from their L1 within the story.
The learning curve for EBs and English Only students tends to widen in the middle elementary grades. Continuing teaching new content and academic language in a student’s L1 will help them. When they haven’t learned academic language well, their reading comprehension of content matter suffers.
WEBSITES
unitebooks.com is a FREE website that has a selection of hundreds of picture books retold in multiple languages.
newsela.com is a FREE website with news stories available in a variety of English reading levels.
nationalgeographic.org is a FREE website that offers an online Scientific magazine on a variety of English reading levels
READ-ALOUDS
Proficient readers are a rarity. Research shows that integrating your students’ cultures into class is one way to move them to like who they are, feel a part of the class environment, appreciate others and feel motivated to learn. Read-alouds are one great way to do this. Here’s a few great ones I’ve found.
Native American picture books
Here’s 6 beautiful, indigenous pictures books read by a Native American so’oh or grandmother. They are: I am Native, Winter’s Gifts, Buffalo Wild!, Jingle Dancer, The Moccasins, Bow Wow Pow Wow.
Black Culture picture books
Here’s a description of 9 beautiful stories stemming from black culture.
Latinx Culture picture books
Here’s 4 beautifully read and animated Latinx picture books with text overlay. They are: Flamingo Flamenco, Bodega Cat, The Farmer, Proud to be Latino: Food/Comida.
Chinese Culture picture books
Here’s a description of 10 beautiful picture books celebrating Chinese culture.