Colour, Symbol, Image : Environments for Classroom Talk
Colour = green
A Greenie is new to the game, and
thinking that we are experts in
teaching ELL could be bad practice.
Every year we need to get to know the
children’s culture, backgrounds and
proficiency, meaning we will always be
Greenies every September.
Which language learning factors are at
play in your class this year?
Symbol = road signs
When it comes to learning languages,
the most effective tool is giving
children choices. When they choose
to learn the language, instead of being
forced through social or academic
reasons, they could develop more
efficiently.
How can we ignite this passion?
Image = ski slope
The easiest place to learn how to ski is at
the bottom of the mountain. It gets
progressively harder to learn the steeper
the mountain gets. If an ELL child enters
Grade 7, they are placed halfway up the
mountain with the native children who
started at the bottom.
What supports are in place to help them
up the mountain?