#ELLCHAT Archive

#ELLCHAT is a repository for ideas related to teaching English Language Learners.

Monday August 27, 2018
9:00 PM EDT

  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:00 PM EDT
    Welcome to #ELLCHAT! Q1) Please share your name and where and what you teach.
  • thecozyLC Aug 27 @ 9:01 PM EDT
    A1 I’m Rachel Asres, a SIFE teacher in Nashville #ELLchat
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:01 PM EDT
    Welcome to #ELLCHAT. Q1) Please share your name and where and what you teach.
  • teacher2teacher Aug 27 @ 9:01 PM EDT
  • HSeslteacher Aug 27 @ 9:01 PM EDT
    A1: Shaeley, K12 ESL instructional coach in Ames, Iowa. #ELLChat
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:02 PM EDT
    #ellchat
  • MariaZampano Aug 27 @ 9:03 PM EDT
    A1 Hi Judie! I'm @MariaZampano, and I teach ESOL 7-12 in CT #ELLChat
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:03 PM EDT
    A1 Good evening, #ELLCHAT friends! I’m Karen Nemeth, author/consultant on young children who are DLLs/ELLs - and cohost of this chat. I live in eastern PA!
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:03 PM EDT
    A1) I'm Judie Haynes, former ESL teacher and author. I'm co-moderator and co-ounder of #ELLCHAT
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:06 PM EDT
    A1) Resource: How to create a welcoming classroom environment https://t.co/lKp22MrAYX #ELLCHAT
  • DoDeBoer1 Aug 27 @ 9:06 PM EDT
    A1: hello! Dora from North Dallas new Newcomer Specialist #ELLChat
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:06 PM EDT
    How many of you have already started the school year? in my area, schools start after Labor Day, so it often catches me by surprise when people start tweeting about school in mid August #ELLCHAT
  • itscherij Aug 27 @ 9:06 PM EDT
    A1: I’m Cheri, ELL teacher 3-12 in rural KY (also it’s bedtime so I may have to read most of this thread tomorrow; I can stay for a few min) #ELLCHAT
  • HSeslteacher Aug 27 @ 9:07 PM EDT
    We started with students last Thursday! #ELLChat
    In reply to @KarenNemethEdM
  • mazehr Aug 27 @ 9:07 PM EDT
    I just changed jobs. While all the students in my classes used to be ELLs, now I teach 9th grade English and I have a mix of ELLs and native-born students. #ELLchat.
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:08 PM EDT
    N.J. is usually after Labor Day. #ELLCHAT
    • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:06 PM EDT
      How many of you have already started the school year? in my area, schools start after Labor Day, so it often catches me by surprise when people start tweeting about school in mid August #ELLCHAT
  • mazehr Aug 27 @ 9:08 PM EDT
    I just finished my fifth day of teaching students in a Virginia high school. #ELLCHAT
    • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:06 PM EDT
      How many of you have already started the school year? in my area, schools start after Labor Day, so it often catches me by surprise when people start tweeting about school in mid August #ELLCHAT
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:09 PM EDT
    Q2) What are the challenges that ELLs face when enrolling in school? #ELLCHAT
  • MariaZampano Aug 27 @ 9:09 PM EDT
    #ellchat Love the resource, thanks! I will be meeting my students after Labor Day.
  • DoDeBoer1 Aug 27 @ 9:10 PM EDT
    Kids came back August 13th #ELLChat
  • MrsSaid17 Aug 27 @ 9:11 PM EDT
    A2 With little ones- new structure. Older Ss need time to adjust to new norms. #ELLCHAT
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:11 PM EDT
    A2) ELLs face challenges with being in a new environment and not understanding English. #ellchat
  • itscherij Aug 27 @ 9:11 PM EDT
    A2: Having to translate for parents with staff, help fill out enrollment forms, correct pronunciation of name, just to name a few, #ELLCHAT
  • LeticiaTrower Aug 27 @ 9:12 PM EDT
    #ELLchat A1 Hi, I'm Leticia, rhymes with uh-fish-uh 😉. I manage professional learning for educators, mostly around equity but also ELL, trauma-informed instruction, and a few other things. Also (as of tomorrow) a student at @Illinois_Alma!!! 🤓🤓🤓📚
  • MrsSaid17 Aug 27 @ 9:12 PM EDT
    A2:Here is a resource! Collaboration between @SarahOttow and I for @TeachingChannel #ellchat
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:12 PM EDT
    A2 This is a big question in the world of Head Start and preschool this year. Major focus on supporting young children’s transition to kindergarten - but so often the supports for different languages are way out of sync! #ELLCHAT
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:13 PM EDT
    Thanks for sharing this terrific resource. #ELLCHAT
  • HSeslteacher Aug 27 @ 9:13 PM EDT
    A2: Differences in school culture, behavior expectations, & structures like who moves rooms (teachers or students) present challenges to ELLs. #ELLChat
  • DoDeBoer1 Aug 27 @ 9:14 PM EDT
    A2: for many Newcomers the challenges begin with the affective aspect. they are in survival mode #ELLChat
  • mazehr Aug 27 @ 9:14 PM EDT
    It's not easy for ELLs to read the acronyms on schedules. As a new teacher in a new school, I don't understand some of them either. #ELLCHAT
  • kruu_justin Aug 27 @ 9:14 PM EDT
    A2: Where I'm at, all students (but especially ELs) go through a rigorous acceptance process where they're required to interview, take the MAP test, and then take the WIDA test. It's a stressful experience for students, especially if English isn't their first language! #ellchat
  • MsQirjaqi Aug 27 @ 9:15 PM EDT
    A2: Challenges ELs face when enrolling in schools: assimilating, adjusting to a new system, making friends, language barriers, learning new routines/procedures #ELLCHAT
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:16 PM EDT
    So your school doesn't accept ELLs unless they speak English well? #ELLCHAT
    • kruu_justin Aug 27 @ 9:14 PM EDT
      A2: Where I'm at, all students (but especially ELs) go through a rigorous acceptance process where they're required to interview, take the MAP test, and then take the WIDA test. It's a stressful experience for students, especially if English isn't their first language! #ellchat
  • HSeslteacher Aug 27 @ 9:16 PM EDT
    Good point! One of the first things we do is screening new students to see if they qualify for ESL services. Not to mention screenings for math & reading that follow shortly after. #ELLChat
    In reply to @kruu_justin
  • GEagen1 Aug 27 @ 9:17 PM EDT
    A2: #ellchat Face many challenges. One I see frequently is when they have to translate for their parents. Therefore, they end up doing the registration process themselves.
  • MariaZampano Aug 27 @ 9:18 PM EDT
    A2 Absolutely true! It prevents services being given right at the time they enroll, when students need it most. #ellchat
    In reply to @MrsSaid17, @judiehaynes
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:19 PM EDT
    Q3) How does your school district identify and place ELLs? #ELLCHAT
  • HSeslteacher Aug 27 @ 9:20 PM EDT
    A3: Home language survey is 1st step. Then language proficiency screener. We're using new @ELPA21Assess dynamic screener this year. #ELLChat
  • MariaZampano Aug 27 @ 9:20 PM EDT
    A3 We administer the home language first, then a language proficiency test. #ellchat
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:20 PM EDT
    A3 I guess every state… or most states have regulations about this issue of how to identify, place, and serve ELLs - but all states also have plenty of options for loopholes and waivers, right? #ELLCHAT
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:21 PM EDT
    Iowa isn't a WIDA State? #ELLCHAT
  • brandeesmith00 Aug 27 @ 9:21 PM EDT
    I’m Brandee Smith from Houston, TX. Joining late! #ELLCHAT
    In reply to @judiehaynes
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:22 PM EDT
    A3) Absolutely. Especially with mid year placements. #ELLCHAT
    • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:20 PM EDT
      A3 I guess every state… or most states have regulations about this issue of how to identify, place, and serve ELLs - but all states also have plenty of options for loopholes and waivers, right? #ELLCHAT
  • kruu_justin Aug 27 @ 9:22 PM EDT
    A3: We screen through MAP and WIDA. Based off of their WIDA score, we identify students who have learning needs. We don't have a sheltered EL classroom, so students are placed in homeroom classes and receive continual support from myself and the support staff #ellchat
  • GEagen1 Aug 27 @ 9:22 PM EDT
    A3: #Ellchat home language survey, then language proficiency test.
  • brandeesmith00 Aug 27 @ 9:22 PM EDT
    A2: Language barriers, time for testing, proper documentation. #ELLCHAT
    In reply to @judiehaynes
  • HSeslteacher Aug 27 @ 9:22 PM EDT
    No, we're in ELPA21. #ELLChat
    In reply to @judiehaynes
  • itscherij Aug 27 @ 9:23 PM EDT
    A3: Most have parents who speak Spanish so that’s an immediate notification to me of potential ELL. I recom. placement for all ELLs in my district based on who I want together, etc. #ELLCHAT
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:24 PM EDT
    A3) Another thing that differs among school districts is who does the testing? In smaller district it could be the ESL staff and in larger districts it could be people hired just for that purpose. #ELLCHAT
  • HSeslteacher Aug 27 @ 9:24 PM EDT
    If by waiver you are referring to parents' right to refuse ESL services, that's correct. We are required to revisit the issue annually and get a newly signed waiver if they want to continue refusing services. #ELLChat
    In reply to @KarenNemethEdM
  • kruu_justin Aug 27 @ 9:24 PM EDT
    That's why effective screening practices are so important for new students! It's never going to identify 100% of the students that need support, but the more we can do at the start of enrollment the better. #ellchat
    In reply to @MariaZampano, @MrsSaid17, @judiehaynes
  • brandeesmith00 Aug 27 @ 9:25 PM EDT
    A3: Every family fills our a home language survey. Then we give them the IPT test. We are in our 3rd week of school. I am still finding students that are wrongly placed & I know I’m part of that problem. #ELLCHAT
    In reply to @judiehaynes
  • MsQirjaqi Aug 27 @ 9:25 PM EDT
    A3: Home language survey (example pic) identifies who needs to be screened & Ss who qualify are placed into appropriate program/services based on individual needs/teacher observations & other assessments #ELLCHAT
  • DoDeBoer1 Aug 27 @ 9:25 PM EDT
    A3: Home Language Survey follow by Language Proficiency testing #ELLCHAT
  • TeachLikeALady Aug 27 @ 9:26 PM EDT
    Hi! I'm Tanya from Memphis jumping on late! #ELLChat
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:26 PM EDT
    Hi Tanya. Welcome to #ELLCHAT
  • brandeesmith00 Aug 27 @ 9:26 PM EDT
    A3: We are a large district but during pre-registration teachers do the family interviews & testing. It’s a challenging process. #ELLCHAT
    In reply to @judiehaynes
  • TeachLikeALady Aug 27 @ 9:27 PM EDT
    A3) We identify ELLs with primary home language surveys. If another language is spoken in the home, we administer the WIDA screener to assess language ability. #ELLChat
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:28 PM EDT
    A3 But, Tanya - don’t you find many families who speak other languages don’t fully understand the questions on the survey? or they don’t want to identify their child’s home language, so they say “English”? #ELLCHAT
    • TeachLikeALady Aug 27 @ 9:27 PM EDT
      A3) We identify ELLs with primary home language surveys. If another language is spoken in the home, we administer the WIDA screener to assess language ability. #ELLChat
  • MsQirjaqi Aug 27 @ 9:29 PM EDT
    I checked with ISBE to see if we should have parents sign yearly and they said it’s not required. Regardless, we send the PR home yearly to remind parents they have the option to opt in or out #ELLChat
    In reply to @HSeslteacher, @KarenNemethEdM
  • TeachLikeALady Aug 27 @ 9:30 PM EDT
    We do not have a problem with parents understanding the form. It's a very simple 3 question form. We do have the issue where parents simply do not want their child to have ELL services. I respect their wishes. #ELLChat
    In reply to @KarenNemethEdM
  • kruu_justin Aug 27 @ 9:31 PM EDT
    I'm noticing a lot of schools use home language surveys. How are these provided? Are they done via paper trail or electronically? Are they provided in English or in multiple languages? In what ways have they been successful / accurate in identifying student needs? #ellchat
  • MsQirjaqi Aug 27 @ 9:31 PM EDT
    That’s a great question. The best way to get parents to fill it out is to include it as part of the registration process when they’re enrolling their child. The picture is from ISBE, you can take the 2 questions & include them in one of the registration forms #ELLChat
    In reply to @kruu_justin
  • HSeslteacher Aug 27 @ 9:31 PM EDT
    No, we use a state-approved version from @TransACT_K12 It's available in multiple languages. #ELLChat
    In reply to @kruu_justin, @ELPA21Assess, @TransACT_K12
  • mmm4ells Aug 27 @ 9:31 PM EDT
    A1)Hi Mary Martin, I'm an independent Lang. Acq. consultant and have previously served as a director for EL programs in a large district. #ELLCHAT
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:31 PM EDT
    A2 I was referring to districts that find reasons why they don’t have to offer the number of languages, or the number of hours of support that their state requires - such as low numbers of certain languages, or limited space, or not able to hire enough ESL tchrs #ELLCHAT
    • HSeslteacher Aug 27 @ 9:24 PM EDT
      If by waiver you are referring to parents' right to refuse ESL services, that's correct. We are required to revisit the issue annually and get a newly signed waiver if they want to continue refusing services. #ELLChat
      In reply to @KarenNemethEdM
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:31 PM EDT
    Q4) What can you do to create a welcoming environment for ELLs and their families? #ELLCHAT
  • MariaZampano Aug 27 @ 9:32 PM EDT
    A3 Sometimes parents question why their child was identified, even though they had another language listed on the HLS other than English. #ELLCHAT
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:32 PM EDT
    Do you provide the form in every language and dialect that might possibly come your way? #ELLCHAT
    • TeachLikeALady Aug 27 @ 9:30 PM EDT
      We do not have a problem with parents understanding the form. It's a very simple 3 question form. We do have the issue where parents simply do not want their child to have ELL services. I respect their wishes. #ELLChat
      In reply to @KarenNemethEdM
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:33 PM EDT
    A3 - also, what if families do not want their child to have ELL services because they don’t really understand how they work or how they will benefit their child? #ELLCHAT
    • TeachLikeALady Aug 27 @ 9:30 PM EDT
      We do not have a problem with parents understanding the form. It's a very simple 3 question form. We do have the issue where parents simply do not want their child to have ELL services. I respect their wishes. #ELLChat
      In reply to @KarenNemethEdM
  • GEagen1 Aug 27 @ 9:34 PM EDT
    A4: #ellchat making families feel welcomed is VERY important. they are already in a strange place with a different language and culture. I try to go out of my way to ensure they understand as much as possible and to simplify things as much as I can.
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:34 PM EDT
    A4) Resource: Creating an ELL-friendly environment https://t.co/6SA68fbwFL #ELLCHAT
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:34 PM EDT
    A2 In #earlyed it is considered necessary go beyond a written survey to understand the language background, experiences, and needs of young children. We need to know more to help each child #ELLCHAT
  • kruu_justin Aug 27 @ 9:34 PM EDT
    I have run into this problem before as well. Also, screening is sometimes not always an accurate measure of student performance in the classroom. #ellchat
    In reply to @MariaZampano
  • MsQirjaqi Aug 27 @ 9:34 PM EDT
    A4: Greet them or learn a word in their language, have signs/banners posted in their language, host EL/culture events, be welcoming/resourceful #ELLCHAT
  • mmm4ells Aug 27 @ 9:35 PM EDT
    A2)Challenges that ELs face at the upper levels is credit for education in their home countries. Having the opportunity to take electives, because they are doubled-up on English courses. :( ELs deserve to get to take the fun classes that lower the drop out rates of Ss. #ELLCHAT
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:35 PM EDT
    I agree. Sometimes I feel that young children are over identified because they don't know the person giving the test and feel shy. #ELLCHAT
    • kruu_justin Aug 27 @ 9:34 PM EDT
      I have run into this problem before as well. Also, screening is sometimes not always an accurate measure of student performance in the classroom. #ellchat
      In reply to @MariaZampano
  • TeachLikeALady Aug 27 @ 9:35 PM EDT
    Most of our student population speaks Spanish or Arabic. We have a translator on staff. Our school district provides translators as well to eliminate confusion. #ELLChat
    In reply to @KarenNemethEdM
  • kruu_justin Aug 27 @ 9:35 PM EDT
    A4: We create a welcoming environment for students, but we could definitely find better ways to welcome parents as well. One thing we do is provide campus tours of classrooms and teachers so parents and students can become acquainted with their new environment. #ellchat
  • MariaZampano Aug 27 @ 9:36 PM EDT
    A4 I will be connecting with parents via @TalkingPointsEd . It has helped me establish communication with families unlike ever before. A parent has already initiated contact with me to ask about her child's schedule. #ELLCHAT
  • MsQirjaqi Aug 27 @ 9:36 PM EDT
    Maybe add a note that states if they answer yes then legally their child will be required to take the screener #ELLChat
    In reply to @MariaZampano
  • HSeslteacher Aug 27 @ 9:36 PM EDT
    A3: It can be challenging to explain when they say the student doesn't even speak the home language. I focus on exposure to another language as a reason they might qualify for ESL. #ELLchat
    In reply to @kruu_justin, @MariaZampano
  • DoDeBoer1 Aug 27 @ 9:36 PM EDT
    A4: be friendly, smile, learn their names and make an effort to get them right! #ELLCHAT
  • MrsSaid17 Aug 27 @ 9:36 PM EDT
    A3: WIDA state! #ellchat
  • kruu_justin Aug 27 @ 9:37 PM EDT
    Absolutely - this is especially true with younger students. Some have never taken a test like WIDA before as well. #ellchat
    In reply to @judiehaynes
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:37 PM EDT
    A4) Have decorations around the school that reflect the cultures and languages of your school. #ellchat
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:37 PM EDT
    A3 Here is a great guide for getting to know the home languages and literacy practices of families https://t.co/J9Q5KAOSRX #ELLCHAT
  • TeachLikeALady Aug 27 @ 9:37 PM EDT
    I schedule a meeting with the parents first so that I can explain the benefits. If they still refuse services, I respect their wishes. This is very rare though. #ELLChat
    In reply to @KarenNemethEdM
  • MrsSaid17 Aug 27 @ 9:37 PM EDT
    A4:Create consistent and relevant family engagement opportunities for ell families.#ellchat
  • HSeslteacher Aug 27 @ 9:37 PM EDT
    Guidance in Iowa is that we need to have parents sign the waiver yearly. #ellchat
    In reply to @MsQirjaqi, @KarenNemethEdM
  • TeachLikeALady Aug 27 @ 9:38 PM EDT
    A4) At our school, we have a parent meeting with our ELL parents so they can meet the ESL teachers. #ELLChat
  • MariaZampano Aug 27 @ 9:38 PM EDT
    It's an app that translates your message in multiple languages. Your phone number is kept confidential, but there is two way communication. Check it out https://t.co/bjyDcMRrlF #ELLCHAT
    In reply to @GEagen1, @TalkingPointsEd
  • HSeslteacher Aug 27 @ 9:39 PM EDT
    A4 Pt 1: Several levels of welcoming Ss & families. It begins at registration at District Office to interactions at building level down to classroom & response from other students. #ELLChat
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:39 PM EDT
    In NJ, you don't need permission to give the screener. After the screener is done, parents need to give permission to have their child in ESL. #ELLCHAT
    • MsQirjaqi Aug 27 @ 9:36 PM EDT
      Maybe add a note that states if they answer yes then legally their child will be required to take the screener #ELLChat
      In reply to @MariaZampano
  • MariaZampano Aug 27 @ 9:40 PM EDT
    Thanks for this resource , Karen! #ELLCHAT
    In reply to @KarenNemethEdM
  • mmm4ells Aug 27 @ 9:40 PM EDT
    A3)TX has very specific identifying criteria in law (theory), but in practice what districts/campuses may differ from requirement due to misunderstanding of the law. Unfortunately what is monitored is implemented. #ELLCHAT
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:41 PM EDT
    A4 Fast 5 Gamechangers that Make a Great 1st Day for ELLs/DLLs https://t.co/Y1S3IXWDGI #ELLCHAT
  • MariaZampano Aug 27 @ 9:42 PM EDT
    The basic service is free, but you can upgrade if you want. #ELLCHAT
    In reply to @GEagen1, @TalkingPointsEd, @LongESLWorld
  • HSeslteacher Aug 27 @ 9:42 PM EDT
    A4 Pt 2: I think we need to consider all of these levels if we want ELLs & their families to feel welcome in our schools. #ELLChat
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:42 PM EDT
    Q5) Please share a beginning-of-the-year activity that supports a classroom that is inclusive to all students. #ELLCHAT
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:43 PM EDT
    A3 Oh. That takes a lot of time but I think it is a good practice. Some schools just send home language surveys in English only and use whatever they get back to make high-stakes decisions about young students! #ELLCHat
    • TeachLikeALady Aug 27 @ 9:37 PM EDT
      I schedule a meeting with the parents first so that I can explain the benefits. If they still refuse services, I respect their wishes. This is very rare though. #ELLChat
      In reply to @KarenNemethEdM
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:44 PM EDT
    A5 I know some Head Start programs send scrapbooking materials home so the families can make a book about their child. This celebrates every individual and gets the families involved right from the start. #ELLCHAT
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:44 PM EDT
    A4) I agree! Everyone from those in the district office to the custodians need PD on welcoming ELLs and their families. #ELLCHAT
    • HSeslteacher Aug 27 @ 9:42 PM EDT
      A4 Pt 2: I think we need to consider all of these levels if we want ELLs & their families to feel welcome in our schools. #ELLChat
  • TeachLikeALady Aug 27 @ 9:45 PM EDT
    Our primary home language form is a simple 3 question form available in at least five languages. #ELLChat
    In reply to @KarenNemethEdM
  • HSeslteacher Aug 27 @ 9:45 PM EDT
    A5: At high school, I asked students to interview each other. With sentence frames for support, they then introduced their partners to the class. #ELLChat
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:46 PM EDT
    A4 I also agree with the idea of decorating the entrance and hallways to welcome all children and families. For young children like preK and K it would probably not be flags but try for something more relatable to little kids. #ELLCHAT
  • kruu_justin Aug 27 @ 9:46 PM EDT
    A5 #morningmeeting and @responsiveclass are excellent tools that helps build / maintain classroom communities throughout the entire year. #ellchat
  • mmm4ells Aug 27 @ 9:46 PM EDT
    A4) In "identifying" situation if you can get translators it is helpful. Also ensuring that all of your campuses follow the same replicable, transparent process is reassuring and then when things go wrong it is the "process' at fault not the person. #ELLCHAT
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:47 PM EDT
    Q5) Please share a beginning-of-the-year activity that supports a classroom that is inclusive to all students? #ELLCHAT
  • rverstae Aug 27 @ 9:47 PM EDT
    Q5 - One beginning day activity is to have students choose the shape they like best ( circle, square, or triangle). Then, students join groups and explain to each other why they chose that particular shape. This isa good icebreaker and gets students talking immediately. #ellchat
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:48 PM EDT
    A5 Here are Fast 5 Gamechangers to Help Diverse Young Children Respect Each Other https://t.co/s5DfwgmU7J #ELLCHAT
  • MsQirjaqi Aug 27 @ 9:48 PM EDT
    A5 make sure activities are relevant to ELs. If you ask ELs students what their favorite baseball is, they may not have one as soccer is the most popular sport amongst ELs. Choose 2 fútbol teams instead: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona #ELLCHat
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:48 PM EDT
    I think a beginning of the year activity should be one that helps teachers get to know students and students to get to know each other. Interviewing each other as mentioned by @HSeslteacher is an example. #ELLCHAT
  • MrsSaid17 Aug 27 @ 9:49 PM EDT
    A5: I like the cultural bag activity. #ellchat
  • MsQirjaqi Aug 27 @ 9:49 PM EDT
    A5 make sure activities are relevant to ELs. If you ask ELs students what their favorite baseball team is, they may not have one as soccer is the most popular sport amongst ELs. Choose 2 fútbol teams instead: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona #ELLCHat
  • HSeslteacher Aug 27 @ 9:49 PM EDT
    Elementary schools in my district use @responsiveclass & have found it to be a great way to build an inclusive community. #ELLChat
    In reply to @kruu_justin, @responsiveclass, @responsiveclass
  • kruu_justin Aug 27 @ 9:50 PM EDT
    This reminds me of four corners! It's great for getting to know each other as well as build oral language :) #ellchat
    In reply to @rverstae
  • mmm4ells Aug 27 @ 9:50 PM EDT
    A5) Scavenger hunts, whether electronic or on paper are great icebreakers and provide the chance for listening, speaking, reading and writing in a low-stress environment. Everyone can particpate in a scavenger hunt. #ELLCHAT
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:50 PM EDT
    I agree! I'm a big fan of morning meetings but in the U.S. that seems to go by the wayside after the early grades. (K-2) #ELLCHAT
  • MariaZampano Aug 27 @ 9:51 PM EDT
    A5 This sounds interesting. How does it work? #ELLCHAT
    In reply to @MrsSaid17
  • kruu_justin Aug 27 @ 9:52 PM EDT
    I think some teachers assume students are "too old" for MM, but in upper grades building community and friendships are just as important (and even more important in some ways) as they are in the younger grades. #ellchat
    In reply to @judiehaynes
  • HSeslteacher Aug 27 @ 9:55 PM EDT
    I got to participate in morning meeting at our new teacher days this year, and it was great for getting to know other adults! S/O to @nmcoronado & @OndersD who facilitated. #ELLChat
    In reply to @kruu_justin, @judiehaynes, @nmcoronado, @OndersD
  • ADJones1019 Aug 27 @ 9:55 PM EDT
    Interesting! Thank you for sharing this insight! #ELLChat
    • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:35 PM EDT
      I agree. Sometimes I feel that young children are over identified because they don't know the person giving the test and feel shy. #ELLCHAT
      • kruu_justin Aug 27 @ 9:34 PM EDT
        I have run into this problem before as well. Also, screening is sometimes not always an accurate measure of student performance in the classroom. #ellchat
        In reply to @MariaZampano
  • kruu_justin Aug 27 @ 9:56 PM EDT
    It's a great way to model how MM is structured, too! #ellchat
    In reply to @HSeslteacher, @judiehaynes, @nmcoronado, @OndersD
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:56 PM EDT
    That's a great way to meet the adults and students who aren't in ESL programs. #ELLCHAT
    • HSeslteacher Aug 27 @ 9:55 PM EDT
      I got to participate in morning meeting at our new teacher days this year, and it was great for getting to know other adults! S/O to @nmcoronado & @OndersD who facilitated. #ELLChat
      In reply to @kruu_justin, @judiehaynes, @nmcoronado, @OndersD
  • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:57 PM EDT
    A5 Adding things to the decor of the classroom that children make or bring from home makes the classroom their own. A lot of experts in #earlyed suggest starting the year with a nearly bare classroom so you can work with children to fill it up #ELLCHAT
  • judiehaynes - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:59 PM EDT
    I agree with this. Many teachers spend weeks during the summer setting up their room. I think it's important to have students decide what they want to hang on the walls. #ELLCHAT
    • KarenNemethEdM - Moderator Aug 27 @ 9:57 PM EDT
      A5 Adding things to the decor of the classroom that children make or bring from home makes the classroom their own. A lot of experts in #earlyed suggest starting the year with a nearly bare classroom so you can work with children to fill it up #ELLCHAT
  • jeffpcarpenter Aug 27 @ 9:59 PM EDT
    #tlap #ellchat
  • kruu_justin Aug 27 @ 9:59 PM EDT
    A full classroom on Day 1 can be over stimulating! I've always had the basics set up: library, schedule, warmly colored bulletin boards, and supplies. The rest the kids can do! #ellchat
    In reply to @KarenNemethEdM
  • TeachLikeALady Aug 27 @ 10:00 PM EDT
    A5) What always works for me is this: I tell my kids that I will teach them English and they can teach me Spanish and/or Arabic. They love this because I am acknowledging and respecting their culture. #ELLChat