10 Easy ESL Tips

Learning English as a second language is harder than most people realize. One of the hardest things about it is that while most of the English language comes from Latin, there are quite a few other languages involved as well. You can make ESL easier b using some of the tips below. !. Understand the stages. " second language is learned in stages# $reproduction, Earl $roduction, Speech Emergence, %ntermediate &luenc , and "dvanced &luenc . 'hese stages involve moving from bod language all the wa to fluent speech. (. Use comparison models with similar words. %f possible, start b using one s llable words that are similar to the ones the know. )emonstrate how these words represent images or s mbols. &or instance *one+ with a picture of a count of *one+ when the student speaks &rench and knows the word *une+. ,. Place value on the native tongue. -o student realizes success through humiliation, therefore ou alwa s want to refer to English as an additional language rather than a replacement. .. Use a student's learning style. &ind out how the student learns best and make use of it. &or instance, hands/on learners will learn more from demonstration than direct instruction. 0ombine methods of teaching so that several learning st les are used. 'his allows for ma1imum opportunities to learn and practice the new language. 2. Set measurable goals. Let the student know what the goals are and celebrate the success of achieving those goals. Scaffold them so that the student builds on knowledge as the learn more of it. 3. llow !or Speech. 'he more ou speak, the less our students get to practice speech. "llow them opportunities for verbal collaboration and presentations. You can also use *think aloud+ techniques which allow students to e1change and share ideas about the topic and sometimes even predictions about what will come ne1t. 4. "a#e use o! images. 5se images for labeling items in the room, but then label the items in English as well. &or instance, ou might label the paint cabinet with a picture of a can of paint and the word *paint+ printed below it. 6. llow the evolution o! language. 7hen students complete written compositions, allow them to do the first outline and draft using their native language so that the can focus on the writing itself. &or their final cop the can translate the composition into English.

8. Pair with li#e mentors. %f possible allow the ESL student to be paired with a mentor close to their age. You can also simpl partner them with an English speaking or bilingual student. 'he idea is to e1pose them to English in a social conte1t as well as a formal one so that the can become comfortable with it. !9. E$change cultural norms. Language is more than a form of communication. %t is also a reflection of a culture. : e1changing cultural norms ou can show respect for their native language while at the same time teaching them the details of the culture of those who speak English. 'his also helps to immerse them in the language and associate it with positive e1periences. &LS offers ESL courses to help international students learn English. "t &LS %nternational we use a modern curriculum that is catered to the var ing needs of our students. 7e combine speaking, reading and listening to ensure that our students learn English in the most supportive environment possible. 'o learn more visit http#;;www.fls.net.