Page 21 - Educators Guide Book

English Language Learners

Teaching English Language Learners:

• Use English when teaching but translate into Yiddish as necessary to ensure
comprehension. Use less Yiddish as the child becomes more proficient in English.

• Encourage your student to use English when speaking with you.

• Use different modalities. Be sure to include movement, visuals, and manipulatives to teach
concepts and ensure comprehension.

• Incorporate process-oriented activities into your sessions.

• Present the new vocabulary before the lesson.

• Teach new vocabulary words in context so your student can understand their meaning and
apply them to new situations.

• Speak slowly and simplify your use of English.
• While giving directions in English model what is expected.

• When teaching new concepts build on the student’s culture.

• Make sure that the student has the necessary background knowledge to understand the
concepts and information being taught.

• Create a vocabulary book where students can illustrate the new vocabulary words they are
being taught.

• Teach essential academic vocabulary that will reappear in their lessons and textbooks.

• When applicable teach the student what figurative language is and explain the concepts
of idioms.

• Model and teach English sentence structure for usage and writing purposes.

Educator's Guide / English Language Learners 21