Simple zero-prep strategies

Simple strategies that make a BIG difference for your EAL students.

Here are just a few quick straightforward strategies that don't require any prep time at all. Although some of these things may seem ‘common sense’, they make a BIG difference for our EAL students.

 

1. Speak slower.

 

2. Pause between sentences.

 

3. If something is important for the student to know, write it down. Language 'disappears' after it is spoken and heard. Seeing written reminders will not only reinforce vocabulary acquisition, but it will give the student more time to take in the information.

 

4. A smile and nod often does not mean "I understand". Many EAL students will smile and nod to be polite. They may not ask questions if they do not understand something.

 

5. Do not just ask "Do you understand?". Many students will reply with a nod and smile (see above). Instead ask the student to show or tell you what they need to do. Ask them to tell you what they understand of the content you just taught.

 

6. Try to have the student sit by another student who is kind, friendly and patient- someone who might be a potential friend. Many of these students are coming from other schools outside of the division or directly from another country and they do not know anybody at GCC.

 

7. Book time with the EAL support staff. If you would like to chat with either Heidi or Andrea re: the students in your class and how to meet their needs, please send us an email and we will be happy to set aside some time in our week to discuss resources, strategies and interventions (if needed).