The Best Ways to Make Content More Accessible to English-Learners

Larry Ferlazzo asked teachers to comment on this topic.

Here are the suggestions.

Larry Ferlazzo:

1. Speak slowly and clearly
2. “Use sentence starters, writing frames, and writing structures such as ABC paragraphs: Answer the question. Back it up with evidence. Comment on how your evidence supports your answer”.
3. Pair a new student with one who speaks that student’s home language
4. In high school, enlist seniors as tutors.

 

Carol Salva, a Seidlitz Education consultant

1. “Teach all kids what to say when they don’t know what to say.”
2. Post lesson objectives and start the class with an exit ticket in the form of a sentence starter and discuss it in the class

 

Julie Keaney, an ESOL teacher

1. Be sure students feel welcome and that they understand the objectives of the lessons
2. Use visual instructions similar to those that come with Ikea furniture
3. Use all versions of Kahoot

 

Carlota Juana Holder, the director of academic language for the Neighborhood Charter Network.

1. A graphic with eight suggestions including “Stress high frequency academic vocabulary, and repeat/restate for understanding”

 

Cris Howard, an ELL teacher and adjunct professor for the Indiana University Southeast English as a new language program, and a freelance educational consultant

1. Make instructions precise and direct.
2. Have students do something while they are listening

 

Alexandra Hoyt, a TESOL teacher from Connecticut:

1. Use visuals and gestures
2. “Lower the affective filter by creating a safe and welcoming classroom environment.”

 

See instructions and more ideas here.