My passion for understanding my students' cultures and my commitment to education have driven my 17 years of teaching. I teach a grade 7 emergent bilingual sheltered classroom in Houston, Texas, where I incorporate technology to promote digital fluency and prepare students for future academic success. I am dedicated to lifelong learning and am pursuing a Master's Degree in Education focusing on Applied Digital Learning through Lamar University. I strive to create a supportive environment that fosters student interaction and collaboration, helping them reach their full potential.

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Translated Instructions

One essential strategy for supporting students who speak different languages is providing instructions in multiple languages. Over my 17 years of experience in the classroom, I have encountered more common foreign languages like Spanish and Vietnamese. Then, there are times when incoming students speak languages like Kinyarwanda, French, Pashto, or Dari.  Educators should embrace online translation tools or apps to make instructions accessible. Approach translations wisely because it can be very time-consuming to translate if you have multiple languages using Google Translate, and often, for particular dialects, students need help understanding the translator. Inspire students who are more fluent in both languages to take on the role of peer helper using the buddy system. The buddy system pairs a more proficient student with a less proficient one, encouraging them to work together and helping their peers navigate language barriers, fostering a sense of community.

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After sharing translated instructions, engage with students to confirm their understanding. Use informal assessments such as quick quizzes, one-on-one conversations, or group discussions as opportunities to connect and uplift. These assessments can help you gauge students' comprehension and adjust your teaching accordingly.

With translated instructions, learning materials become gateways to understanding for non-native speakers, allowing them to embrace content and expectations thoroughly. When students grasp instructions in their native language, they are more inclined to engage actively and boldly in their educational journey.

 

Wait Time

During PLC (Professional Learning Community) and planning periods, it is essential to incorporate wait time into lesson plans for ESL (English as a Second Language) students. Allowing students time to think and process information before responding can significantly enhance their learning experience. This is especially beneficial in a mixed-language classroom, where some students may require more time to formulate their thoughts. Integrating wait time into lesson plans allows ESL students to process information and translate their responses from their native language to English. After posing a question, wait 10-15 seconds before calling on a student. This practice gives all students time to think, particularly those needing extra time to articulate their responses. Providing wait time increases the likelihood that all students, especially those hesitant to speak, will participate in discussions. When students know they have time to think, they may feel more confident sharing their ideas and answers. 

The Think-Pair-Share strategy, part of the SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol) framework, allows students time and structure to think about a topic. This method enables them to develop ideas, share them with peers, and present them to the entire class or group (Marrero-Colón, 2016). This approach fosters peer support and helps reduce anxiety. 

Lastly, teachers should encourage nonverbal responses. Allowing students to demonstrate their understanding through nonverbal means—like thumbs up/down, using whiteboards, or true/false cards—can help measure comprehension without the pressure of speaking.

 

Establishing Structure and Routines

Consistent routines are essential for creating a safe and predictable learning environment. This includes posting daily agendas, clearly stating expectations, and familiarizing classroom layouts. Establishing structure and routines in an ESL classroom is crucial for fostering a supportive and effective learning atmosphere.

One of the most essential aspects of structure and routine is predictability. Routines can significantly reduce anxiety for ESL students, who may feel overwhelmed by language barriers. It's important to remember that some students may have never experienced formal education or could not attend school due to political unrest, war, poverty, or inaccessibility in their home country.. When students know what to expect, they can focus more on their learning instead of worrying about what comes next. Displaying an easy-to-read agenda helps manage classroom time effectively, ensuring that all necessary content is covered while keeping the teacher and students on track.

 

Visual Aids

 Visual aids, such as anchor charts, posters, diagrams, and images, are crucial in enhancing understanding, especially for visual learners and those who struggle with language. They improve comprehension, retention, and engagement. Visual aids can clarify complex concepts and provide context, making it easier for students to grasp new information. Furthermore, visuals can convey meaning without relying solely on language, which is particularly beneficial for students struggling with English.

 

In my current 7th-grade classroom, I use vocabulary anchor charts instead of a traditional word wall. These charts include the vocabulary word, its definition, a photo, and the definition in Spanish, as this is one of my class's most common sheltered languages. For example, when introducing new vocabulary, I display the word alongside an image and encourage student participation by having them create visual aids, such as group posters or presentations, and practice reading out loud. This approach promotes collaboration and active learning.

Additionally, I use labels for content and everyday items like the door or pencil sharpener. Incorporating visuals and labels into learning content provides context and reinforces vocabulary. This strategy helps students connect words and images, enhancing their overall understanding.

 

Cultural Awareness

Encouraging teachers and students to learn about and respect different cultures can create a more inclusive classroom environment. Culture shock is a natural phenomenon that can hinder a student's growth and potential. It often occurs when a person learns a second language in a new cultural context and can range from mild irritation to deep psychological anxiety (Valdes, 2010). At the beginning of each school year, my students and I sign a treatment agreement that states we will respect each other and each other's cultures, even if we don't fully understand them. 

 

This approach can also involve celebrating cultural events, integrating diverse perspectives into the curriculum, and promoting open discussions about cultural differences. Every year, our district holds a Culture Day, during which students can dress in their cultural attire and express pride in their heritage. Cultural awareness in the ESL classroom is essential for creating an inclusive and respectful learning environment. It helps students appreciate diversity, enhances communication, and promotes a sense of belonging. Understanding cultural differences can improve communication among students and between students and teachers, thereby reducing misunderstandings.

 

Fostering English language skills in a sheltered classroom can be challenging. Well-managed classrooms can lead to fewer behavioral problems, stronger engagement, and better academic performance. Effective classroom management can make lessons more productive for educators and help reduce stress (Augusta University, 2024). As a teacher, promoting a positive classroom atmosphere, reinforcing good behavior, making learning enjoyable, and being flexible can help create an engaging environment that supports language learning.