The 6 Principles for Exemplary Teaching of English Learners- Entry #1

 

1. What is something new that I learned? 

Before reading this article, I was unaware of the importance of home visits in connecting with your English Language Learners. This article highlighted the deep connections that can be made with your students and their families through home visits. To best facilitate these learners' needs, it is of the upmost importance that teachers know their students both educationally and personally.

2. How can I apply this in the classroom? 

I can apply this new information about the importance of home visits in connecting with your students in my own classroom in the future by implementing effective parent communication and establishing relationships with my EL parents. During the COVID-19 pandemic, instead of in person visits, I can send information and resources home with students through my virtual classroom. Additionally, I can utilize a video call app to speak with students and parents as allowed.

3. What are my top three take-aways? 

1) Collaborate with other specialized educators to create an establish community of responsible educators. 

2) Conduct on-going monitoring and provide targeted re-teaching strategies to address student errors  

3) Implement engaging activities that help you get to know your students in order to better meet their needs

4.  How can I connect this information with something I have learned in the classroom?

While reading the information presented in this resource, I thought of how I could connect it to the LETRS training I am currently implementing. In order to best meet the needs of the students', LETRS speaks heavily of the schema connections and engaging activities that you should implement to best meet the needs of your EL students. This resource focused heavily on the background knowledge that teachers should become familiar with and use as a resource in teaching their EL students. I have seen this importance firsthand, and plan to continue to use the strategies and information in this resource to further implement my LETRS instruction.

5.  How can I connect this information with something I learned in practicum/internship?

In one of my previous practicum placements, I was made aware of the difficulties that many educators face in connecting with both EL students and their parents. This article discussed many positive ways to create a nurturing environment. I plan to use this information to shape future relationships with EL students and parents and learn from the observations I have made in previous placements.