ELLs and their Environment

For my last task I decided to adapt the learning environment to support English Language Learners' needs. I have numerous ELLs in my classroom and I work with them one-on-one daily. My CT advise me what to do with them and how to provide extra support. I observe my CT doing this task daily as well. She gives numerous prompts to ELLs to increase communication, as this aids them in verbally answers her more. My CT also pairs ELLs with native and focused English speakers during turn and talk time on the carpet and sits ELLs near these students in her classroom. She said this is a way to have the environment help the ELLs and not hinder them.

What my CT does is an example of “learning buddies” in the classroom. Managing Diverse Classrooms states that giving learning buddies can provide support to ELL students while also cultivating friendships. I decided to use the learning buddies strategy during one of my lesson. My CT said this was a good idea. My lesson was about the differences between needs and wants. Students should be able to identify the differences after my lesson. I read a book about this topic and had several questions during the reading for my students to discuss that related to my objective. I paired the ELLs with their learning buddy during these questions so they could have help during turn and talk time. I also walked around the carpet during the turn and talk time and sat near the ELLs to encourage discussion with their learning buddy. I verbally praised the ELLs for discussion with their buddies and for the progress they made.

I conferenced with my CT after the lesson to talk about how I adapted the learning environment for the ELLs. She said doing the learning buddies went well and that the ELLs seemed to listened to their buddy speak and some even replied back! She commented on how I provided praise to the students and told me to be more specific next time. The authors of Principles of Classroom Management write that “it is important to provide praise that is specific”. This aligns with the advice my CT gave me. Next time I plan to do so. During my CT’s next lessons I observed how she give specific praise to ELLs and I recorded what she said in my notes.

I am glad to have completed this task and reflected on it. I feel better equipped on how to work with ELLs because of my field experience and adapting their learning environment. Knowing how to adapt the learning environment to support an English Language Learner's needs is pivotal as an increasing number of students in today's schools are ELLs and they deserve the proper help.

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