ESL2GO: Lesson planning: Adapt content to language proficiency
English language learners at the beginning levels of English language
proficiency have trouble learning a large amount of new academic content at one
time.
Learning a language requires a lot of time and energy. Not only must
essential vocabulary be understood, but then the definitions of that essential
vocabulary must also be unraveled. Additionally there’s the challenge of actually
producing written and spoken words in a format that others can understand.
Every step along the way requires time and more time for those beginning
English language learners.
As they plan, teachers modify their lesson content expectations for ESOL
students based in part on that student’s English language proficiency. They hone
in on bare-bones, essential content for students with beginning English language
skills. Explicitly planning to have extra content support available (if needed)
through quick mini-lessons or practice allows teachers to better manage their
classroom teaching time.
As an ESOL student’s English abilities improve, teachers can gradually
increase content expectations. As less time is required to manipulate the English
language, English language learners can be challenged to spend more time
learning content.
Thanks for all you do.