Helping English Language Learners (ELL) Acculturate

Learning a new culture, including language, also known as acculturation, is a very difficult task for most people. For students who are new to the country and are in the process of transitioning and understanding the American way of life, placing them in a classroom full of fluent English speakers can be an extremely intimidating task to take on. For this reason, it is very important for teachers to understand various cultures, customs, and the proper ways to help these students acculturate smoothly and successfully. A good teacher who understands the significance of this matter can truly make a world of difference in the lives and education of these students.

There are various approaches you can take in your own classroom to facilitate the acculturation of the English Language Learners (ELL). First and foremost, you must always remember to support every single one of their cultures. This is a crucial step in helping them feel accepted, and once they do, you will notice how much easier everything else becomes. This is because, initially, these students feel uncomfortable with the change and the unfamiliar classmates whose language and culture they do not understand at all. Therefore, they do not feel as if they are a true member of the class, and this contributes significantly to the reason why they struggle. Once these students overcome these obstacles, they begin to feel accepted, their confidence levels build, and they become better overall students.

I believe it is crucial to involve the class as a whole in an ELL's transition and education. He/she will spend a good portion of the week with these same students, so not only will involving the class in the student's education promote friendship, but it will also create a sense amongst the classmates that their kindness and support has been a large contribution towards the student's acculturation and success. Everyone will be willing to work together as a team, and this will create healthy confidence levels for not only the ELL, but for the entire class as well!

I also believe in incorporating the ELL's culture into the classroom. A way to do this is to hold a "Cultural Day" and instruct all the students to bring in foods, stories, objects, or anything they feel represents their culture. This gives all of the students a chance to celebrate their backgrounds and promotes acceptance and respect towards other cultures and beliefs.

There are various ways to go about helping the ELL acculturate, but I truly believe that the most important factor is setting a welcoming example for the rest of the students and including the whole class in the acculturation process. Teach the students the importance of support, patience, and speaking at a slower rate for English Language Learners. You should also stay aware of any adjustments that you may need to make depending on how well these students are responding. Get to know the English Language Learners, learn what their interests and hobbies are, ask them about their family and home life, and then incorporate these things into lessons. Give the ELL buddies to pair up with for extra help, do plenty of fun class activities, celebrate different cultures, and make sure these students know you are there for them if they ever need any assistance.

All of these simple changes will lessen, if not eliminate any feelings of tension or intimidation English Language Learners may have and help them to achieve their goal of accultutarion much quicker than someone lacking such a support system.

Reference:
http://jccdrc.jobcorps.gov/ELL/address/under