Supporting ELLs in Kindergarten

1. HOME STRATEGIES

1.1. READ-A-LOUDS - in both languages

1.2. WATCH TELEVISION - view educational and child friendly shows together in both languages

1.3. PLAY BOARD GAMES

1.4. PARTICIPATE IN SPORT TEAMS & COMMUNITY ACTIVITES

1.5. BUDDY SYSYEM FOR GUARDIANS - create support system with like families from the school or community

2. COMMUNITY STRATEGIES

2.1. ENCOURAGE FAMILIES TO GET INVOLVED

2.2. VISIT LOCAL PLACES - visit the library or nature centre

2.3. INFORM FAMILIES OF SCHOOL SYSTEM - can organize family school tour, provide families with school website or newsletters (all items with provided translations)

3. PLAY - indoor/outdoor, allows to practice language, non-threatening and informal environment, child engaged in process and in control,

3.1. DRAMATIC PLAY - explore activities and relationships in real world, practice language skills with peers, use props labelled with text and pictures, provide multicultural props (e.g. magazines, food boxes)

4. SCHOOL STRATEGIES

4.1. BUDDY SYSTEM - can pair with same native language (can provide translation), acts as support system, can pair with English speaking peer

4.2. VISUALS - pictures, gestures, picture dictionary, manipulatives

4.3. SCHOOL PERSONNEL/STAFF - ESL teacher, volunteer, older student --all can provide additional support in and outside of class

4.4. STUDENT PORTFOLIO - used to assess student learning, can include photos, recordings, art, writing samples, anecdotals, observations

4.5. INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES - scaffolding, cooperative learning

4.6. CELEBRATE CULTURES - create inclusive environment, correct pronunciation of name, learn key words, share traditions, learn how child prefers to be encourage (varies culturally), host cultural events

5. TECHNOLOGY - use of iPad, Apps, camera, cellphone, assistive technology to assist and document student learning