Episode 49 - 5 Ways to Build Background Knowledge for your ESL Students

In order for students to reach an optimal level of learning, they need to know what we’re talking about and that involves not only language, but background knowledge of the subject area concepts. In today’s episode, I will share 5 ways to build background knowledge for your ESL students.

Being immersed in the language is so important, but this can’t be completely effective without background knowledge. A warm up or background building activity is pretty standard in most lessons, but are essential for our English Language Learners. Because they are from all different cultures, they are not all familiar with well known things we may take for granted.

There are 5 strategies I like to use when building background knowledge with my ESL students. First, I like to use pictures and images, keeping in mind that these not all created equal. Images must support students at their level of understanding. Next, I like to preview Vocabulary. Choose target words for your lesson and teach them in a way that your students can access them. Several images, Space to translate, sentences using the word in context, space for students to create their own sentence

Third is relating to personal experiences.The FIFA world cup helped me explain the word, “appeal” (Hear the full story in Episode 49). If you have beginners, utilize first language strategically, which is strategy #4. Usually as students progress, they no longer need the translation. Finally, take field trips and allow students to do some experiential learning in order to build background or solidify understanding.

What you will hear about building background knowledge for your ESL students:

5 ways to build background knowledge
Examples of lessons I’ve taught with students
Reasons why building background knowledge is so important

Resources

As mentioned in the episode, I am linking some useful resources!