Top Ten Strategies to Help English
Language Learners in the Classroom

Submitted by Lisa Bowman Perrott, University of Kansas

1. Implement strategies that encourage students' use of English during instruction (e.g., small group instruction, reciprocal peer tutoring)

2. Actively engage students in academic tasks (e.g., hands on experiments and activities)

3. Build on students' background knowledge when introducing new vocabulary and content material

4. Determine students' level of academic language proficiency

5. Understand the distinction between basic interpersonal communication skills (BICS) and cognitive academic language (CALP)

6. When possible, incorporate students' cultures in instruction

7. Communicate with parents and/or extended family members

8. Parents may have a different understanding of or views about disabilities than you-try to understand and bridge the gap between these differences if they exist

9. Recognize that proficiency in students' native or first language can translate to learning and becoming proficient in a second language

10. Use visuals when possible during instruction