Professional Development and Teaching Strategies

  1. Teaching ESL Students in the Mainstreamed Classroom - By Cynthia L. Wallace

    2. "With more and more children immigrating to the United States, chances of having an ESL student mainstreamed into your classroom are likely. Now the question is what to do? As a general education teacher, you may be feeling overwhelmed and dismayed. However, this article was written with you in mind. After reading this article, you should have the following:
    • Information regarding second language learning acquisition
    • Practical suggestions on how to communicate with your ESL student from the very first day
    • Making preparations to include ESL students in the classroom
    • Helpful teaching strategies for ESL students"

    http://si.unm.edu/Web%20Journals/Articles/cindi%20wallace.html

  2. Kagan structures for Cooperative Learning - Dr. Spencer Kagan


    3. "Kagan Structures are radically transforming classrooms across the United States and in many parts of the world. These easy-to-learn, easy-to-use instructional strategies are ideal for promoting second language learning. In classrooms in which the Kagan Structures are used regularly, students for whom English is a second language learn both English and academic content far more quickly and far more thoroughly than when traditional instructional strategies are used. The Kagan Structures also promote language and content learning far more than does group work."
    http://www.cooperativelearning.com/KaganClub/FreeArticles/ASK17.html

  3. Twenty-five Quick Tips for Classroom Teachers - Judie Haynes


    4. "Do you want to create an effective learning environment for your English language learners? Pick five ideas that you have never tried from the list below and implement them in your content area or mainstream classroom. You will be surprised to see how much the learning of ELLs improves."
    http://www.everythingesl.net/inservices/twenty_five_quick_tips_classro_70733.php

  4. How to Create a Welcoming Classroom Environment

    5. By: Colorín Colorado (2007)
    "Chances are that your English language learners (ELLs) come from a culture with traditions and family values that differ from mainstream American culture. These young children not only have the challenge of learning a new language, but also of adjusting to an unfamiliar cultural setting and school system. Imagine what it would be like to step into a foreign classroom where you didn't understand the language, rules, routines, or expected behavior."
    http://www.colorincolorado.org/educators/reachingout/welcoming

  5. English Language Learners in Math

    6. "English language learners have unique needs when it comes to mathematics instruction. Find out about several key strategies to help ELLs succeed."
    http://teachingtoday.glencoe.com/howtoarticles/english-language-learners-in-math.

  6. An Overview of Kathie Nunley's Layered Curriculum®

    7. "Today's teacher must teach to an overwhelming variety of students. Any high school class may have students who cannot read past a second grade level. These students are sitting alongside others trying to prepare for next year's Advanced Placement class. There may be as many as five different native languages spoken and each student at a different level of English proficiency. Several special education students are likely to be mainstreamed into the class. There are visual learners, auditory learners, tactile learners, and plain old reluctant learners. Sprinkled in are students with attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity."
    http://www.help4teachers.com/how.htm

  7. Reading comprehension for ELL – UNC School of Education
    8. Ellen Douglas
    "Use KWL charts, circle maps and brainstorming webs, and concept maps to prepare English language learners, content-area learners, and all students for reading comprehension."

  8. Cooperative learning strategies