Caty Buck, special ed and ESL teacher in the Burnsville schools in Minnesota shares some important insight on the various ways that you can teach an ESL class. There are lots of things to think about when it comes to ESL, says Buck, and she offers some tips to create a classroom that is safe and successful for all students.

Work at Levels
Assume that each student in your class is at a different level, says Buck. Even if you have a leveled class, or a class that is supposed to have students who all speak English at the same level, chances are that you probably will have vastly different knowledge levels within that class. It is important to begin with levels, says Buck, because you need to provide individualized attention to all students in your classroom right from the start. If you can provide the students with lessons, group work, and activities that meet them at their level to begin with, you will gain their trust and you will be able to move them forward.

Scaffold for Cohesion
Start with leveled groups, but focus your attention on scaffolding students quickly to allow the majority of them to reach the same level so you can move on with full group instruction. Help provide students with the tools to move from one level to another, and be sure that you are clear about what you would like them to accomplish while they are at that level. Scaffolding is the process of taking students from one place and allowing them to climb to the other, with your help. Buck says it is the best way you can provide your students with a path to success.

Different Styles
Be aware that your students will have vastly different learning styles, no matter where they come from or what their first language is. The best way to help all students succeed is to provide them with learning opportunities that encompass these vastly different learning styles. Provide students with plenty of chances to speak, listen, read, write and see how things work, so they can get the most out of every piece of instruction.