Teaching ESL to Children
Teaching ESL to children is much easier when you understand cultural differences.
ESL reading activities suport building on students' background knowledge and knowing their social customs.
One of the biggest challenges a regular classroom teacher faces is when we have a student who speaks little English and comes from a culture we are not familiar with.
There are many ESL teaching strategies a teacher can use to enhance learning for these students from Day 1!
ESL Teaching Strategies
However, all of the strategies for teaching vocabulary and creating differentiated lesson plans will not be as effective as the teacher who uses cultural ways of interacting appropriately with his or her students.
The teacher who understands cultural communication differences will be more effective teaching ESL to children than the teacher who expects the students to completely undergo cultural assimilation in Western school systems.
Cross Cultural Communication
It takes years for a student to become proficient with the English language. Teachers must not expect these students to be able to read, write or even speak like their peers.
Another common issue is the fact that it is very difficult to discern whether an Engish as a Second Language student is struggling because of language or due to an underlying disability. Do not be quick to jump to the conclusion that a student requires special education services!
With the right encouragement, use of best teaching strategies and lots of patience, teaching ESL students is a pleasure and they will thrive in our classrooms.
Which resource above will you read first to help you understand best ESL teaching strategies?
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