As mentioned in the research section of this blog, there is overwhelming amounts of research that support the use of a student’s first language in teaching CALP in English.  Unfortunately, the majority of classroom approaches still focus on monolingual instruction and subtractive bilingualism.  Why?  Some of the teacher apprehension results from a fear of teachers not being able to speak the student’s first language.  They fear that they will lose control of their students.  Other teaching professionals are concerned with the cost of implementing bilingual resources, and others suggest that they do not have the time to tailor instruction to the small amount of ELL students.

Regardless of their concerns, changes must be made to the approaches currently used for ELL students.  Teachings must reflect the research.  It is not only ethical, it is also a responsibility of teachers as stated in the B.C. Ministry of Education English Language Learning policies; “ELL services should reflect current research with regard to effective practices.” (2009)

Below are programs to support an ELL student:

Programs

SCRIBJAB – www.scribjab.com – an online tool developed by SFU for creating and reading stories in two languages.  Teachers can support ELL students by providing them with student written fiction and non-fiction books written in English and their first language.  Teachers may also use this tool as a platform for students to publish their work as well.

CHATS – which stands for; Content reading strategies, Higher-order thinking skills, Assessment, Total Participation Techniques and Scaffolding Strategies – This program contains numerous strategies for teachers to make their content meaningful, rigorous and accessible to both ELLs and native English speakers in their classroom. The advantage of this program is that it benefits both ELLs and native English speakers.

Himmele, P., & Himmele, W. (2009). The language-rich classroom: A research-based framework for teaching English language learners. Alexandria: ASCD.

PALS – Linguistically Appropriate Practice –  This program contains strategies for teaching ELL students including the use of their home language.

Chumak-Horbatsch, R. (2012). Linguistically appropriate practice: A guide for working with young immigrant children. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.

CLIL – Content and Language Integrated Learning.  This teacher training curriculum provides methods for teachers for the simultaneous teaching of content and English.  It is currently used in Britain.

CASLT – www.caslt.org – An online resource for educators of ELL students to read the latest research and share ideas with other educators.

One to One: A Children’s Literacy Program – www.one-to-one.ca – A FREE children’s literacy program that provides one to one tutoring in B.C. schools during school hours.  The tutors are trained volunteers.

SD36 English Language Learner Welcome Centre – www.welcomecentre.sd36.bc.ca – A centre that provides support for Surrey resident ELL students and families for entering the education system and connecting with their community.