15 Strategies For English Language Learners

15 Strategies for English Language
Learners
By Sarah Cason
April 11 2022
English Language Learner (ELL) students do not necessarily learn differently than
other students. However, they can have specific educational needs. The term, ELL,
refers to a student who does not speak English as a first language. They typically
come from non-English-speaking homes and may need modified instruction and
additional support in English and other subject areas at school.
Various resources and strategies can be utilized to provide a positive learning

experience for ELL students. While many of these strategies for English Language
Learners below are helpful for all students, they can be particularly effective when
teaching students that have a native language other than English.
ELL Strategy 1 – Build Relationships & Create a Welcoming Environment
It’s important that ELL students feel welcome when they come into the classroom.
Learning a language can be intimidating. Knowing they are learning in a safe and
welcoming space can make a big difference. While they are still learning to speak
and read English, relationships can be built through:
• Smiles
• Gestures
• Body language
• Games
Using a daily check-in activity is a great way to start building trusting relationships
with your ELL students. I recommend having them draw pictures of how they are
feeling that day, or give a thumbs up or down on “yes/no” questions.
2 – Use Positive Gestures and Tone of Voice

Using positive gestures and tone of voice can help ELL learners feel at ease. This can
help them feel comfortable and safe in their learning environment. A start for this is
to simply smile and keep a calm and relaxed body. Incorporating play-based
learning is also an opportunity to model positive gestures. Throughout the day,
model acceptance of others to encourage this welcoming atmosphere.
3 – Incorporate Language Skills Throughout the Curriculum

ELL students will benefit from explicit language instruction. However, it is also
important to include language skills throughout the curriculum. By incorporating
these skills throughout all lessons, language exposure is increased. This will have a
positive impact on student learning.
Utilizing the Listen and Color printable from the Kindergarten Monthly
Activities allows students to engage with both vocabulary and position words. The
activity can be completed using a teacher model to provide additional support for
students. This is an opportunity to hear and visualize positional words such as
above, between, or next to.
ELL Strategy 4 – Speak Slowly and Increase Wait Time

Speaking too quickly can make it difficult for ELL students to process the new
language, so slowing down your words can be helpful. This can allow students
additional time to listen and process the information. I also always try and model,
point to, or visually show while I am verbally giving directions.
Consider that students might need the extra time to answer a question or might
need a question to be restated or rephrased. Be patient and encourage students to
become comfortable with asking for more time or asking a teacher to repeat a
question. Teaching students to ask for help can benefit them in many ways as they
learn the English language.
5 – Differentiate
ELL students have a variety of academic needs. It’s important that your instruction is
designed to meet students’ individual needs. This can be accomplished by getting
to know as much as possible about your students, using a variety of research-based
instructional strategies, and using ongoing assessments. The Premium Membership
from Education to the Core provides you access to a variety of differentiated
resources at your fingertips, ready to print and use.
ELL Strategy 6 – Incorporate Technology

Technology may or may not be something that ELL students are comfortable using.
However, don’t be afraid to give it a try and incorporate helpful websites into your
daily routine. The fact that most of these sites will read and speak to your students
while they work on tasks is an added bonus. There are numerous sites and apps that
students can use individually or that can be modeled and used in a whole group
environment. A few suggestions are:
• Starfall – A learning website with interactive games, songs and activities.

• Kahoot! – A game-based learning program for creating, playing, and
sharing learning games.
• Quizlet – This program uses digital flashcards for learning vocabulary.
• National Geographic Kids – The site has numerous educational videos
that allow for closed captions to be turned on which can be helpful for
ELL students.
• Duolingo – A website and app that targets specific skills to practice
vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
7 – Utilize Cooperative Activities

Encouraging teamwork and cooperation can build language skills quickly.
Cooperative activities allow students to be inquisitive, curious, and learn from each
other. Activities that lend themselves well to cooperation are STEM Challenge
Stories. These challenges give students opportunities to have discussions and share
ideas while completing hands-on learning activities.
8 – Offer Choices
Ensure that students know they have options. For example, if students don’t know
the answer to a question, it’s important to have resources they can use for help.
They also should know they have the choice to say they don’t know or aren’t sure.
Having resources in the classroom for students to refer to can be a big confidence
booster. Having a Sound Wall in your classroom is a great student reference tool to
have.
ELL Strategy 9 – Build on Background Knowledge
Although students are learning a new language, they have many personal
experiences that can help support learning. Consider students’ background
knowledge. How can you help activate that background knowledge in order to
make learning more meaningful and impactful?
Even if you don’t have any background knowledge to build upon, you can create
shared experiences for your students. Read a book on the topic, watch a short
instructional video, or create a “being there” experience in your classroom. By
incorporating these strategies into your instruction, your students, both ELL, and
non, will have prior information they can link new knowledge to.
10 – Use Visuals and Add Images

As often as possible, try to use visuals and add images in daily activities and work.
The Monthly Mini-Books resource provides visual support for learners. In each
monthly activity, there are vocabulary words with pictures that can be used in a
variety of ways. These vocabulary words can then be found in the coordinating
mini-books. Each month, there is a themed sight word activity for students. These
comprehensive monthly activities can be a good place to start building vocabulary
with the use of visuals.
11 – Pair your ELL Students with a Buddy
This is always a student favorite! Pairing ELL students with a buddy who can
encourage, and model language skills is very beneficial. Be mindful of student skill
level as well as cooperation skills when selecting a buddy. The buddy can help
answer questions, work on activities, and provide support for your ELL student.
12 – Use a microphone or amplification device

Using a device such as a microphone or amplification device can allow students to
clearly hear some of the sounds of words. While this might not always be an option,
it is something to consider adding to your daily classroom routine.
13 – Give both Verbal and Written Directions
Written directions are important so that students can practice reading skills they
are working on. However, written directions might not be accessible for ELL
students. Including verbal directions as well as written, gives students the
opportunity to ask questions if they do not understand. Verbal directions can also
prevent mistakes that might occur from lack of understanding of a written direction.
Preventing these mistakes and providing students clarification through verbal
directions can boost students’ self-confidence.
ELL Strategy 14 – Model

Providing students with a model when doing activities can give them the
reassurance they need to keep going. You might find that you can slowly take the
models away or use them less frequently. However, starting with models is
important for ELL students to become comfortable with learning the English
language. Projecting the activities onto a large whiteboard or Promethean board
with a document camera can easily provide students with a viewable model.
15 – Teach Vocabulary
Vocabulary can be added to daily lessons, but can also be taught in isolation. Pre-
teaching vocabulary can be helpful for ELL students. An idea for teaching
vocabulary is through the use of Write the Room activities. These activities provide
colorful clip art images and incorporate various academic skills. These cards allow
your students to associate an image with a vocabulary word. This is an engaging
way for students to build vocabulary.
Being consistent with these strategies and practices will make your lessons more
effective and meaningful for your students. However, it is also important to be
flexible and make modifications based on your students’ needs. Utilize these tips
and strategies to begin building your toolbox of resources to support ELL students.
Written By – Sarah Cason Education to the Core

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15 Strategies for English Language

Various resources and strategies can be utilized to provide a positive learning

2 – Use Positive Gestures and Tone of Voice

3 – Incorporate Language Skills Throughout the Curriculum

ELL Strategy 4 – Speak Slowly and Increase Wait Time

ELL Strategy 6 – Incorporate Technology

• Starfall – A learning website with interactive games, songs and activities.

7 – Utilize Cooperative Activities

10 – Use Visuals and Add Images

12 – Use a microphone or amplification device

ELL Strategy 14 – Model

Written By – Sarah Cason Education to the Core

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