The Classroom Teacher's Guide to Supporting English Language Learners

This book answers your key questions about educating English Language Learners (ELLs) and offers detailed guidance and concrete applications for your classroom. Designed as a one-stop-shop for classroom teachers of all grade levels and content areas, this book is chock full of essential information, delivered in a practical, concise format. In each chapter, you will find checklists, instructional strategies, tables, tools and ideas for next steps. The resources and examples provided are easy to implement and can be used the next day in your teaching.

Topics addressed include:

• Getting to know your ELLs
• Considering how culture, language and academic background impact learning
• Bridging the home/school connection
• Pairing content and language objectives
• Gauging learner progress
• Collaborating with ELL staff
• Much more!

Part I: Where to Start—Getting to Know Your ELLs 1. Who Are the ELLs in My Classroom? 2. How Does Linguistics Impact Teaching and Learning? 3. How Can I Bridge the Home/School connection? Part II: Where to Go—Instruction and Beyond 4. What Should My Instruction and Assessment Look Like? 5. How Is Math Unique? 6. What Are the Most Effective Ways to Collaborate with ELL Staff? 7. What Should I Do if I Suspect There is a Learning Disability?

Pamela Mesta has been in the education field for over 20 years. She currently works as the Supervisor of ESOL in a large public school system in Maryland.

Olga Reber has been in education for 15 years. She currently works as an ESOL Resource Teacher in a large public school system in Maryland.