Virtual Professional Learning Experience English Language Learners Make Schools Stronger

English language learners (ELLs) DO make schools stronger because they incite educators to think strategically and thoughtfully about how to create inclusive learning environment in their schools.  

Through our work together, you will have a more comprehensive understanding of how to authentically connect with your ELLs, better understanding who they are, and the strengths they bring to bear.  

During our live session, we will explore strategies for making content concepts more comprehensible and accessible for your students, cognizant of the fact that your ELLs are simultaneously balancing the learning of language and content.

Please view each of the videos below and contemplate the Food for Thought questions.

​Food for Thought:  Are your students hearing words like ’sesquipedalian’ and ‘volation’ throughout the day?  What strategies are you implementing that allow your ELLs the opportunity to successfully access the content concepts being explored in your class?​

Food for thought:  Given the wide array of factors that affect additional language acquisition, what is your role in supporting your students (i.e. leveraging factors that help and mitigating factors that hinder) and in promoting their multilingualism and multiculturalism?​

Now that you have viewed all of the videos, and you have taken the time to critically assess your own practices, please share by clicking on Comments below:

• how you have engaged in KYS throughout this school year 
• how you plan to engage in KYS as you move forward 

Given that this is a learning community with your peers, I encourage you to comment on each other's posts with supportive feedback and recommendations.

Homework:  ​Please read the three brief articles listed below.  During our live session, we will be referring back to these readings while you are working collaboratively in groups during breakout sessions.  

Take care.  Please stay safe and sound and sane.  If you have any questions at all, please feel free to email me at [email protected].  I am very excited about this innovative professional learning format, and I look forward to working with  you during our live session.