You know it may happen.  You get a call from the registrar saying you have a new student.  But by the way, this one is from another country and speaks no English.  You are already overwhelmed with all the current needs in your class, 504s, IEPs  – but an ELL Newcomer? 

How can you possibly meet their needs? 

Well, what if I told you, you CAN do this! 

Let me help you feel confident the next time you get that phone call and know that you can help this precious one grow and feel successful in their new country.

I’ve been on both ends of this dilemma because I was that panicked teacher without specialized resources with NO IDEA how to communicate AND I was also the parent of a child who watched the panicked look on a teacher’s face when she was receiving that student!

We lived for 10 years in Budapest Hungary where both my young boys went to national school.  So, I’ve experienced that side too! But let me try to help you prepare and encourage you, that you are about to embark on a VERY rewarding segment in your teacher life.

My boys remember those teachers with unbelievable fondness – and even into adulthood, they will always have a special place in their lives.  So, what can you do – to be prepared and make this a great experience for you the child, AND your entire class?

Create a Warm Welcoming Environment for ELL Newcomers From the Beginning

First impressions go a LONG way!  Most likely THEY are more terrified than you are anxious.  A warm smile and kind eyes will make this a much smoother transition for your ELL newcomer.  Learn how to say their name – try very hard to say it correctly. 

Anything that you can do to diffuse their fear will help them absorb their surroundings and the new language better.  One thing we know for sure is students who are full of fear and anxiety have huge barriers to learning.  Effect of Fear and Stress on Memory  They will absorb SO much more of the new language when they are as comfortable as possible.

Provide Meaningful and Differentiated Learning

When they arrive give them something meaningful to do while other students are working on a bell ringer.  This will help them not to feel so different and out of place.  This could be visual-heavy basic worksheets that include basic vocabulary. 

One of my favorite examples is giving them a worksheet like this, along with a bilingual picture dictionary (check with your librarian – often these are available) This will give them practice with basic vocabulary as well as help you or others get to know them a little.

If this is still a little over their head, pair your ELL newcomer with a friendly student who also has the same worksheet and completes it alongside them.  Modeling is VERY helpful.

Promote learning new vocabulary in a variety of ways.

• Label the classroom with the common vocabulary they will need.
• Give them a personal word wall to record and review the new vocabulary they are learning.
• Celebrate efforts to use new vocabulary.
• Use visuals during whole class lessons more than usual.

Keep in touch with your ELL specialist.  Although it is true that most of their job has to do with legal stuff, they most likely took on this position to really help second-language kids.  They may have access to many resources you would have no idea about.  They may know how to access specialized dictionaries, online programs and other helps that can make a HUGE difference for you AND your ELL.

My building specialist once even helped to tutor an ELL who was drastically behind in math – the results were AMAZING.

Create and Cultivate Connections

Peer connections are EVERYTHING!  An ELL newcomer who is well-connected will be motivated to use the language they are learning.  Kids who apply what they know immediately will learn exponentially faster. 

The Vital Element for an ELL Newcomer’s Communication

• Make sure they are included in social times – If they play soccer make sure the kids playing know.  If they are into drawing?  Connect them with another artist in class.  Even though they speak another language, they have more in common with your students than they may realize.
• Consider having a culture day, where EVERYONE gets to share about their culture. Learn their “story”. Social studies will come ALIVE for your class when they learn directly from a former resident of another part of the globe.
• Assign a buddy to help them understand class procedures and to model what students do in your class.  I have seen this student go on to become a VERY close friend for life.

If you would like a complete guide to Know How to Prepare for an ELL Newcomer that includes things you can do BEFORE they arrive, The DAY they arrive, and AFTER they arrive. Grab this resource.

If you would like to have DONE FOR YOU resources to have on their desk that includes much more than what was described here, look at these bundles.

Everything you need for ELL Newcomers

Everything You Need for ELL Newcomers – Upper-Grade Version

Tell me what your experience has been with ELL Newcomers?  What other ways have you helped them transition and start communicating?