We have the privilege of being part of our English learners’ successful academic journey when we start with an asset-based mindset. Every student brings their unique knowledge, perspective, and lived experience into our school community. By practicing curiosity and empathy, we grow to value students and meet their needs with grace and creativity. Here are 3 essential moves we must make to embrace our ELs and make them feel welcome.
First, we check our mindset. The Asset-based Educator Mindset says…
Home language and culture are gifts to be recognized and foundations for future learning
Families engage by interacting with children in their home language and by sharing cultural practices
Enrichment in home language increases literacy in English.
We're adding English to their rich linguistic repertoire, creating multilingual students.
We build instruction to correlate with students’ life experiences.
We learn from students also, in a constant exchange of knowledge.
Next, we get to know our families by…
Providing school information in the home language - use digital or human translators
Asking questions of parents/caregivers for more information about child's history - previous schooling, possible medical concerns, family health history, etc.
Fostering a welcoming environment in your building/district by providing interpreter services at school functions, learning about the home culture of your families, offering school-based and community resources as needed
Finally, we implement these teacher moves that create a sense of safety and belonging…
Smile. Mother Teresa said, “The smile is the beginning of love.”
Learn your students' names and say them correctly
Model a calm demeanor
Be willing to be vulnerable and make mistakes with humor
Nurture positive relationships between students
Incorporate mindfulness activities such as art, movement, and music
Stick to a routine - predictability lowers anxiety
Address conflict and disciplinary issues immediately and fairly
Thank you for joining me today. I offer additional learning opportunities for subscribers, such as virtual book studies, consultations with individuals and teams, Ingenuity Labs, and much more.
Click HERE to discover the ways we can build bridges together.
Your bridge-building partner,
Rhonda Hittenberger Ortiz
