Low-Prep Supports for Newcomer ELL Students

Imagine it’s just after the school year has started, your classroom is humming along with students settled in and routines in place. Then, with minimal notice, a newcomer English language learner (ELL) is added to your roster. If you’re like most teachers, your heart goes out to this new student, but your workload is already overwhelming. 

What can you do on such short notice to help your newcomer student succeed and quickly get acclimated? Here are a few simple, low-prep supports you can implement to help your student feel welcome and also put your mind at ease. 

Same-Language Buddy

One of the most important things to do, if possible, is to seat your newcomer ELL student next to another student who speaks the same first language (L1). This not only helps the new student understand how to follow along with class instructions but also lowers their anxiety by allowing them to feel immediately connected to someone.

Of course, you’ll need to be strategic in your selection of the L1 buddy to ensure the partnership stays on task. Also, don’t overwhelm the buddy by asking them to interpret everything. As long as the newcomer can understand the class routines and general expectations they will adapt. 

Translation Programs are Your Friend

Another easy support is to use Google Translate, DeepL Translate, or other programs to provide basic instructions in the student’s L1.

It’s not best practice nor is it possible to translate all your teaching materials, but if the instructions are translated that can help the student to better participate in class. In addition, have the student bookmark Google Translate on their device and encourage them to use it as needed. 

Teach Them Survival Language
As you have a few moments here and there with your newcomer student, try to teach them basic survival phrases. You can give them this newcomer cheat sheet to practice, and have them repeat the phrases to you or their L1 buddy.

It’s always heartwarming the day your newcomer asks in English to go to the bathroom.

Let Pictures Do the Talking

As they say, a picture is worth 1,000 words so adding visuals to your presentations can make a tremendous difference. Of course, you can’t visualize everything but focus on including a picture, graphic, or illustration for key vocabulary words.

These focus words and matching pictures can even provide an alternative assessment for the newcomer student. 

Create Connections with Closed Captions

If your lesson includes watching a video in class, activate captions in the student's L1. Although this is typically easiest to do on YouTube, most videos have captions available in multiple language options. This allows students to hear the English language while reading their L1, which can help them make at least some connections to the media.

Keep Speech Clear & Concise

Newcomers will be working overtime to comprehend even the most basic English language so it’s critical to speak at a moderate pace, enunciate clearly, and stay on topic. I’ve had some funny language laughs when I say one thing, but students hear something completely different. 

For example, in my first year teaching newcomers, I was doing a lesson about text features and discussing BOLD text but they were all looking at me like I was crazy. I discovered they all thought I was saying BALD! 

Collaborate With ELL Teacher

Although your school’s ELL teacher may be swamped with students, they still want to help you as much as possible. Their heart will probably be heavy if their schedule doesn’t allow time for them to support your newcomer in your class.

However, you can still collaborate with your ELL teacher and share your plans as much as possible. The ELL teacher can help you pinpoint those key focus vocabulary words and design supports for the student. In addition, the ELL teacher is likely an expert at text engineering and can provide amplified text and adapted assessments. 

Don’t Worry & Experiment With Language

Above all else, actively engage with your newcomer student, and don’t worry that you can’t communicate in their language.

Try to learn a few words in their L1, and don’t be embarrassed about mispronunciation; they will appreciate your effort. Your welcoming smile and a little experimentation with their L1 can bridge the language gap through some good laughs. 

ELL Population Continues to Grow

With 10% of all United States public school students classified as English Language Learners, you will likely encounter a newcomer student at some point in your career. Keep these low-prep supports in mind to help these most vulnerable students find success and feel more comfortable in your classroom.

If you’re still looking for more ideas, the US Department of Education Newcomer Toolkit offers support and guidance, as does the Colorin Colorado website.