Foundational Teaching Strategies

Effective instruction for ELLs is built on the understanding that students are learning content and language simultaneously. Make grade-level content accessible while systematically developing English skills, while focusing on their unique abilities. The center of this process is providing students with Comprehensive Input, where students can understand the essence of what is being said or presented, even if they don't know every single word.

4 Essential Approaches

Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)

Focuses on real-life communication and interaction over perfect grammar. Uses role-plays and problem-solving activities.

Best for: Developing conversational fluency and reducing speaking anxiety

Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT)

Students complete practical tasks, like planning a trip or writing an email, which require language use.

Best for: Hands-on learners and connecting language to real-world applications

Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)

Teaching a subject like science or history in English, so students learn the content and language concurrently.

Best for: Academic-minded students and developing subject-specific vocabulary

Total Physical Response (TPR)

Connects language with physical actions. The teacher gives commands and students respond physically.

Best for: Beginners and kinesthetic learners, as it lowers the pressure to speak

Essential Classroom Techniques