The Role of the ESL Instructor

• Help identify ESL students
• Assess English placement
• Communicate with other teachers regarding the teaching of ELL students in mainstream classrooms.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English commensurate with the role of a language model.
• Use English as the principle language of instruction in the areas of pronunciation; listening, comprehension, speaking structure, reading and writing.
• Select activities and materials for ELL use which indicate and understanding of the language proficiency level of the students.
• Express interest ink, and have and understanding for the native culture of students
• Provide experiences that encourage positive student self-concept
• Explain the ESL program to parents/guardians and support their role in education
• Encourage age appropriate placement regardless of English abilities

 The Role of the Classroom Teacher
        working with ESL students

• Support the identification of ESL students.
• Provide modifications for ESL students
• Express interest in and have an understanding of native cultures of our ESL students.
• Emphasize similarities among students, not differences
• Communicate with other teachers regarding ESL students
• Use English in instruction
• Make copies and save samples of student work to assist in identifying and addressing deficiencies in a student’s English language acquisition.
• Use the following strategies when working with English Language Learners:
  
• Increase wait time:  Give students time to think & process langauge
• Simplify your langauge:  Use as few words as possible.  When teaching a lesson emphasize and repeat important words.
  
• Respond to the message: Even if grammar isn't perfect-if you understand what they are trying to say- respond. Don't explicitly correct the utterance.
• Model correct usage: if the student responds with incorrect grammar, acknowledge the response and then repeat it , modeling correct grammar.
  
• Don't force reticent students to SPEAK:  if a response is not necessary.  If a response is necessary ask that they point, answer "yes" or "no" or choose among two possible options.
  
• Demonstrate & use manipulatives:  hold up pictures, realia, act it out, draw it. . .  be creative!
• Be Patient