Supporting English Language Learners, Grades 1 to 8
Video and Print Resources
This video package was created to help teachers, principals and other members of the school team provide optimal support for English language learners. Each video segment shows a promising practice for meeting the learning needs of ELLs in a range of whole school, whole class and small group settings. The print resources facilitate note-taking, inquiry, reflection and planning before, during and after viewing. Download the Viewer's Guide in PDF for complete instructions on how to use the print and video resources.
Supporting English Language Learners, Grades 1 to 8 contains ten video segments:
Segment One: Understanding English Language Learners | Segment Two: Building a Whole School Approach | Segment Three: Closing the Learning Gap | Segment Four: Learning Through the Curriculum | Segment Five: Talking About Language Acquisition and Learning | Segment Six: Finding Starting Points to Enable Learning | Segment Seven: Adapting the Classroom Program for ELLs | Segment Eight: Differentiating Instruction for ELLs | Segment Nine: Aligning the Work | Segment Ten: Concluding Thoughts
Segment One |
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Understanding English Language LearnersWho are ELLs? What are their challenges? What can schools do to support their learning? Windows Media (WMV) Download print resources in PDF: | ||
Segment Two |
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Building a Whole School ApproachHow can schools build a whole school approach to welcome and support ELLs? What can schools do to engage students and parents in the school community? Windows Media (WMV) Download print resources in PDF: | ||
Segment Three |
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Closing the Learning GapWhich learning strategies benefit not just ELLs but all students? What are the advantages of co-teaching and small group instruction? Windows Media (WMV) Download print resources in PDF: | ||
Segment Four |
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Learning Through the CurriculumHow can teachers make the most of a student's first language skills in classroom experiences? Which instructional supports help ELLs acquire English while meeting the demands of the curriculum? Windows Media (WMV) Download print resources in PDF: | ||
Segment Five |
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Talking about Language Acquisition and LearningWhy is early exposure to reading and storytelling so important for ELLs? What are the benefits of direct teaching of word knowledge and how language works? Listen to experts Elizabeth Coelho and Jim Cummins discuss the role of first language(s) and the concept of "universal design." | ||
Segment Six |
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Finding Starting Points to Enable LearningHow do initial assessment practices impact learning? How do you establish an effective learning environment not only for ELLs, but for all students. Why are multiple opportunities to talk and process thinking so important for ELLs? Windows Media (WMV) Download print resources in PDF: | ||
Segment Seven |
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Adapting the Classroom Program for ELLsWhat modifications and accommodations allow ELL students, even at beginning levels of English proficiency, to participate successfully in the classroom and acquire understanding in content areas? Windows Media (WMV) Download print resources in PDF: | ||
Segment Eight |
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Differentiating Instruction for ELLsHow is differentiated instruction beneficial for ELLs? What instructional strategies are especially powerful? Windows Media (WMV) Download print resources in PDF: | ||
Segment Nine |
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Aligning the WorkWhy does the whole school community need to support ELLs? Listen to system leaders discuss alignment (school/district/province) to support ELLs in Ontario schools. Windows Media (WMV) Download print resources in PDF: | ||
Segment Ten |
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Concluding ThoughtsSynthesis of key ideas presented in the video. | ||
Other Ontario Ministry of Education Resources to Support ELLs
- English Language Learners/ESL and ELD Programs and Services, Policies and Procedures for Ontario Elementary and Secondary Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/esleldprograms/index.html - The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 to 12. English as a Second Language and English Literacy Development 2007
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/secondary/esl.html - Many Roots, Many Voices: Supporting English language learners in every classroom, A practical guide for Ontario educators
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/manyroots/ - Supporting English Language Learners with Limited Prior Schooling: A practical guide for Ontario educators, Grades 3 to 12
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/manyroots/schooling.html - Supporting English Language Learners in Kindergarten: A practical guide for Ontario educators
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/kindergarten/index.html - Supporting English Language Learners: A practical guide for Ontario educators, Grades 1 to 8
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/esleldprograms/guide.html - ELL Voices in the Classroom
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/inspire/research/ELL_Voices09.pdf - Promoting Literacy in Multilingual Contexts
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/inspire/research/Cummins.pdf
If you have any questions about Supporting English Language Learners, please contact Tayo McEwen.