Practices, Approaches and Strategies to Meet the Needs of English Learners

Strategy 4 - Focusing on Language Development

Helping students grow in English takes more than just talking or reading — it means teaching the language clearly, creating plenty of opportunities for students to practice, and supporting them as they learn.

1. Teach Language Clearly (Explicit Language Instruction)

Do not assume students will “just pick up” English; teach it step by step.

Teach important words before reading or writing.
Show how sentences are built (e.g., subject + verb + object).
Give examples out loud and write them down.
Practice grammar rules when students are ready. Example: “Yesterday we ate lunch and played.” Consistent verb tense –when talking about the past, use past tense for all verbs in the sentence.

2. Fill Your Classroom with Language (Language-Rich Environment)

Create a classroom where students see, hear, and use English often.

Use word walls with pictures and simple definitions.
Label classroom objects (e.g., door, calendar, pencil sharpener).
Post sentence starters: “I think …”, “One reason is …”, “I agree with …”
Let students talk in pairs or small groups often.

Even short speaking routines help build confidence.

3. Make Communication Real (Authentic Communication)

Let students use English for real purposes, not just worksheets.

Use fun, meaningful tasks: debates, interviews, presentations.
Let students write about things they care about.
Give them a real audience: classmates, parents, school staff.
Offer choices: Speak, draw, act, write, or use a video.

Example: students create a short podcast sharing their opinions on a topic they care about—like school uniforms, social media, or climate change. They script, record, and edit their segments, then share them with classmates.

4. Correct Gently (Error Correction)

Mistakes are part of learning - help students fix them kindly.

Focus on the message first. Only correct grammar if it impedes understanding.
Repeat what the student said, then model the correct version. Student: “He go to store.” Teacher: “He went to the store, yes!”
Choose one or two things to work on at a time.
Praise effort and progress: “That was a great full sentence!”

Why This Matters?

When students learn language in a safe, clear, and fun way, they build confidence. They become stronger speakers, writers, and thinkers, and they feel like they belong in the classroom.