English Language Learners especially benefit from a culturally responsive classroom where they feel seen, heard, and appreciated. ELL students in particular need to feel secure that their classroom is a supportive and safe environment for them to take risks when practicing their new language. The student's first language, their country of origin, and their culture are an important and foundational part of their identity. It is vital that, as educators, we take this into consideration when teaching our students and designing curricula that honors and represents students of all backgrounds.
The lessons above are designed to be a combination of giving students a culturally responsive, personal connection to the activity as well as an opportunity to practice their English grammar and vocabulary. Teachers know that students learn best when they are given different ways to show what they know. Activities should involve a mix of speaking, writing, reading, listening, interacting with peers, and drawing or creating storyboards!
These lessons range from an "All About Me" where students can share different aspects of their lives, to a country project where students can share about their native country, to grammar practice with various tenses. Students are also provided the opportunity to practice dialogue and local customs in different situations: a restaurant, a store and at a friend's house. These lessons are all completely customizable and teachers can edit them to suit the needs of their students.
