HAPPY (Teacher) NEW YEAR!
The new school year is upon us - how quickly the summer goes! With the new year often comes new students, sometimes from different countries and speaking very little English. In the first days of school I come to expect the panicked "OMG what do I do this student speaks no English, help me!!" from my teachers. Here are some of my tips for helping newcomers start off the school year and also understanding differences between common languages at our school.
The new school year is upon us - how quickly the summer goes! With the new year often comes new students, sometimes from different countries and speaking very little English. In the first days of school I come to expect the panicked "OMG what do I do this student speaks no English, help me!!" from my teachers. Here are some of my tips for helping newcomers start off the school year and also understanding differences between common languages at our school.
APPS and SOFTWARE:
- Google Translate (free) - the ever-amazing Google does it again. The newest update includes a photo option that translates text in live time - great for reading posters, directions, etc. The video below is a catchy example:
- Rosetta Stone (free app/paid acct) - if your school has this program then use it! Rosetta Stone is very helpful for developing a newcomer's social language and basic vocabulary. For teachers in my school it can be used on any desktop or mobile device
- Busuu (free) - Busuu limited offers a lot of apps, all free to download but some with in app purchases. I've used the English app to help students with learning common phrases including greetings and introductions, it uses audio recordings to help with learning the phrases
- Futaba (free/in app purchases) - this is a game app where up 2 students can play against each other for free, selecting the matching vocab word to the picture - again more can be unlocked with the app purchase
OTHER TIPS:
- Request an English<>L1 dictionary - ask your ESL teacher (who can ask the ESL dept) for a translation dictionary to help students in the classroom, or utilize a mobile device (iPad!) to help students look up words
- Visuals, visuals, visuals - use pictures!! Often our newcomers won't recognize the language, but they will recognize the photos. If you utilize Google Image search you can help them understand so much more and feel more comfortable in your classroom from day one
- Modeling and Peer Support - when you ask students to do a task show them what to do or have other students model the task so that newcomers can see what is being expected of them. Bonus if you have students who also speak their language and can help translate and guide them
REMEMBER! Newcomers (and all ELLs) and bright students who are ready to learn. Don't write them off, just prepare and provide support so they can become active participants in your classroom! Best of luck in the new year!
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