Non English Speaking Students

Technique: Promote Bilingualism and a “world citizen” environment.

Procedures:

1. Pay attention to delivery so that nonverbal contexts (pictures, diagrams, illustrations) give clues to what is being communicated.
   
2. Speak naturally but more slowly, using short sentences and simple rather than complex vocabulary.
   
3. Mistakes are normal in language acquisition, so in early stages correct the content rather than grammar or pronunciation.
   
4. Keep corrections as unobtrusive and friendly as possible.
   
5. Watch body language and project hope and confidence when the student communicates.
   
6. Always focus on the positive. refraining from stereotypes of student, culture or use of languages other than English.
   
7. Be tolerant of students who chatter in another language. They are communicating!
   
8. Students who are going through acquisition of a second language often go through a silent period. This may last a few days or several months. Respect the student’s need and provide opportunities in small groups instruction for one and two word answers.
   
9. If possible, preview topics with the student who is English limited.
   
10. Preteach vocabulary and give review opportunities for consolidation.
    
11. Provide structured organizers, outlines and summaries.
    
12. Have students tape written material so the student may listen, study and review readings.
    
13. Chunk the work to allow for ongoing success and streamline material, remembering that language acquisition is the first order of importance, and assimilation of content will be much more rapid once English literacy is in place.

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E-mail J'Anne Ellsworth at Janne.Ellsworth@nau.edu

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