English Language Development

4 skill areas to focus on:

1. Function: Functions are the
purposes of
communication. This
includes social
conversations, jokes and
inquiry.
2. Form: This refers to the
structure of the English
language such as grammar,
sentence structure, and
syntax. These are used as
building blocks.
3. Fluency: Fluency is the ease
in speaking the language.
ELLs need lots of time just
practicing speaking English
in order to become fluent.
4. Vocabulary: The
development of a wide and
varied vocabulary is very
important. Using visuals and
gestures can help with this.

Tips for teaching
ELL students!
Teach to varied learning
styles.
Encourage students to
participate in class.
Give simple instructions.
Repeat and rephrase often.
Use lots of visuals, like
graphic organizers and
pictures.
Give students more wait
time: at least 15-20
seconds.


























[COMPANY
NAME]
Francesca DeCesare


ELL Survival
Guide

Considerations for
teaching ELL students

Age: Usually, the older the
student, the more difficult it is
for them to learn a second
language.
Native Language: A student
who is fluent in the
grammatical structure of their
first language is at an advantage
when learning English.
Literacy of Parents: Usually,
the more fluent the parent, the
more fluent the child; fluency in
the native language promotes
learning English.
Reason for Immigrating:
Gaining knowledge of why a
students family immigrated
can help teachers understand if
there are any issues that might
come up in the classroom.


Assessment Modifications
Tests dont always measure ELL
students progress accurately. They
should be graded on if they have
shown progress and made an effort
to learn.
1. Modify the tests you give
Test key concepts or main
ideas.
Simplify instructions.
Provide word banks.

2. Use alternate assessment
strategies for ELL students
Non-verbal- physical
demonstration (point,
gesture, act out.)
Picture products- using
drawings, diagrams, and
models.
Oral and written-
interviews, oral reports,
portfolios, writing
assignments, reading
response logs, dialogue
journals,


Dont be shy! Show them how


Terms to know!
ELL- English Language
Learner- Any student
whose first language isnt
English and receives
language development
classes.
ESL- English as a Second
Language
LEP- Limited English
Proficiency
BICS- Basic Interpersonal
Communication Skills
CALP- Cognitive
Academic Language
Profiecieny