Cross Curricular Approach for ELLs
by Yomi Aroso
1. Teach Language Everywhere: English language learners need to continue their education at the same time as they are learning English. By incorporating language learning into all subjects, you not only give English language learners an equitable opportunity to experience success in school, but also enhance the literacy development of all students.
2. A visual can be worth a thousand words: Key visuals are graphic organizers that provide visual representations of important (key) ideas in a text, lesson, or unit. Examples include charts, Venn diagrams, classification trees, flow charts, story maps, and visual representations of timelines. They are essential tools for reducing the language barrier for English language learners.
3. Correct with care! Constructive, systematic feedback is one of the most important tools you can use to help newcomers learn English. It’s important, however, that the feedback be delivered in a patient, respectful, and supportive way.
4. Encourage Partnership and Cooperative Learning: Where language acquisition is concerned, there’s safety in small numbers. Peer partnerships can be an effective way to provide English language learners with opportunities for classroom talk.
5. Decoding difficult texts: Many of the textbooks used in Ontario schools contain language that is difficult for English language learners, and some contain cultural references that mystify newcomers. Teachers may need to supplement existing resources with more accessible material, or create new resources, to ensure that English language learners can understand the subject.
