Teaching for English literacy in a multilingual classroom poses a challenge for even the most experienced instructors. With every student entering the classroom with a unique level of literacy in both their first and second languages, it can be extremely challenging for teachers to know how to effectively teach so that every student is learning at their own level. These ten strategies will help to accelerate the achievement of students at all levels of language acquisition.

1) Make sure that the physical classroom environment is language rich. This means using target words everywhere possible in the classroom. Make sure maps are labeled with place names, bulletin boards display important vocabulary and objects are labeled. When students can see important words and phrases on a daily basis, they are able to quickly learn and retain that information. Rotate the vocabulary displayed on a regular schedule for optimum vocabulary building.

2) Establish predictable routines. This may seem like a basic concept, but I have been surprised by the lack of routine in a few classrooms that I have observed. Establishing routines with certain activities occurring at the same time, and on the same days, gives ESL students the opportunity to learn the phrases involved on a regular and recurring basis. This is an extremely effective method of learning in context, and ESL students often experience a surge in confidence, as they are able to predict the language expectations of the recurring event.

3) Allow ESL students the time and opportunity to talk with you about what they read. At any level of reading, it is necessary to really spend time one-on-one with ESL students to ask them about the text. This allows the instructor to continuously learn about the comprehension level of students, while also allowing students to employ creativity and new vocabulary to retell stories.

4) Allow for partner work and group work. ESL students need interaction in order to learn a second language. Current brain research has shown that conversation and communication for meaning with others is the necessary key to learning a language and storing new language information in long-term memory.

5) Encourage the use of visual organizers. Allow students to draw pictures of new vocabulary and literature concepts. Diagrams, models, sketches and photos can all help ESL students to make language connections and understand content area concepts in other subject areas.

Incorporating these five simple strategies into your classroom instruction will support all language learners as they achieve academic success in English.