Back to School ESL: How to Welcome beginners

Both online and off

There are so many things going on at the start of any school year. From classroom preparation, to lesson planning, to all kinds of adjustments, professional development – you name it. 

But THIS year takes the cake, don’t you think? 

Here is how back to school might look like:

Some schools will operate exclusively virtually. 

Some schools will have to adjust to a hybrid model (me over here!)

Still others go back full time. 

Even still, the questions remain the same.

Just the other day someone asked me: where do I start with beginners, especially in the virtual learning environment? Does everything I think they need to know even matter? How can I reach them and ensure their success? 

Well, I am here to share a few very simple tips, which I hope you can utilize in your teaching. 

Whether you have absolute newcomers or beginner level students, who are able to speak some English, here are the most important items for you to put on your list:

• Back to school ESL tip #1

Take the time to learn your students’ names. 

If at all possible, meeting in person or in-person via Google Meet or Zoom will make a huge difference for your ESL beginners. Learning any new ESL students’ name will validate them, and will be the first step to make them feel like they belong and are important. In addition, you will show them that you yourself are open and willing to learn. 

• Back to school ESL tip #2

Make a connection with their family.

This year, more than ever, it is important to reach out to your students’ families. We don’t know individual families’ situations, but making a call (utilizing the translator if necessary), asking them a few questions and extending an invitation to reach out to you with any questions, is huge.

On a normal day, families of those who are new and don’t speak much English encounter their own struggles. But getting information from the school and following what’s happening can easily be overwhelming. That’s why having you as an anchor will take the burden off their shoulders. With time, they will become your allies in educating their children. 

Here are some ideas on how to foster personal connections with your ESL students as well.

3. Back to school ESL tip #3

Use a visual schedule/syllabus to convey information the school and classes to your ESL beginners

A picture speaks a thousand words, and for ESL beginners it is absolutely the truth. It breaks down complex (and let’s face it, quite boring) information into manageable chunks and is likely to stick with them and promote language acquisition (they will at least know what to ask questions about).

You can grab your copy of the ESL visual syllabus here.

4. Back to school ESL tip #4

Connect your students with someone who’s been in their shoes

There is no better way to show your ESL students that everything gets better than to connect them with a former ESL newcomer. It would be ideal if they are from the same language background, but that is not necessary. Experience draws students closer, and even if your school is entirely online, encourage them to exchange contact information to practice speaking and writing in a low-stress situation. 

5. Back to school ESL tip #5

Be patient, be kind and teach your students about technology.

While this is certainly not the last point about how to welcome newcomers, it is extremely important. 

Yes, there will be awkward silences.

Yes, you will need to repeat things more times than feels comfortable. 

And yes, you must keep in mind that your students may not be as familiar with technology as you may think. They will need to know simple functional vocabulary related to operating their laptops and accessing apps. Take the time to teach them the basics.

Check out this short video where I go over the steps, and share it with your colleagues!

Check out the unit on technology for ESL beginners right here.

If you are a new middle/high school ESL teacher, one who has ESL beginners/newcomers, and are craving for a clear and step-by-step teaching framework (like lesson plans, worksheets, PD, and support all in one place) – to join us inside The ESL Teaching Roadmap membership! Click here to join today!  

What else would you add to this list on how to welcome ESL students into your classroom? Share in the comments below!