University of Kwazulu-Natal

Creating A Welcoming Environment For English Language Learners

Bonisiwe Shabane
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creating a welcoming environment for english language learners

On a daily basis, ELLs are adjusting to new ways of saying and doing things. As their teacher, you are an important bridge to this unknown culture and school system. There are a number of things you can do to help make ELLs’ transitions as smooth as possible. Photo by Allison Shelley/The Verbatim Agency for EDUimages An important first step in helping English language learners (ELLs) succeed is making them feel welcome in the classroom. This will:

Chances are that your English language learners (ELLs) come from a culture with traditions and family values that differ from mainstream American culture. These young children not only have the challenge of learning a new language, but also of adjusting to an unfamiliar cultural setting and school system. Imagine what it would be like to step into a foreign classroom where you didn’t understand the language, rules, routines, or expected behavior. On a daily basis, ELLs are adjusting to new ways of saying and doing things. As their teacher, you are an important bridge to this unknown culture and school system. Judie Haynes is a renowned ESL teacher with 28 years of experience working in urban and suburban settings with diverse students and their families.

She brings a depth of knowledge and practice teaching students and working with families who have experienced trauma, violence, and chronic stress and has supported many school districts in designing and implementing curriculum for... She provides professional learning throughout the United States on working with English learners and presents at international TESOL and various TESOL affiliates in the United States and Canada. Haynes is the author and coauthor of seven books and writes a biweekly blog for TESOL. She is the cofounder and co-moderator of #ELLCHAT, a widely known Twitter chat. Debbie Zacarian is known for her expertise in strengths-based leadership, instructional practices, and partnerships with culturally and linguistically diverse student and family populations. As founder of Zacarian & Associates and with more than three decades of combined experience as a district administrator, University of Massachusetts-Amherst faculty member, and educational service leader, she provides sustained policy and practice...

Her work credo is "achievement through access, equity, and engagement." Zacarian was the founder and director of the Center for English Language Education and Advancing Student Achievement at the Collaborative for Educational Services. As founding director of Amherst Public Schools bilingual and English learner program, she and the district received many local, state, and national honors for its work with English learners. Zacarian has authored multiple books and more than 100 journal articles and educational policies for urban, suburban, and rural districts and state agencies. In today’s classrooms, diversity is not just a possibility—it’s a reality. Among this diverse group of students, English Language Learners (ELLs) represent a significant and growing population.

These students bring a wealth of cultural richness and different perspectives to the classroom, but they also face unique challenges as they navigate learning a new language while mastering academic content. As educators, it’s our responsibility to create a welcoming environment that supports ELLs in their academic journey. Here are some strategies for creating a welcoming environment for English Language Learners: Creating a welcoming environment starts with fostering a culture of respect and inclusion. Encourage students to share their backgrounds, traditions, and languages. Celebrate cultural diversity with activities such as international days, cultural storytelling, and sharing traditional foods.

This not only makes ELLs feel valued but also enriches the learning experience for all students. Building strong, trusting relationships with your ELL students is crucial. Take the time to learn about their interests, strengths, and challenges. A personal connection can significantly impact their comfort level and willingness to participate in class. Regularly check in with them to ensure they feel supported and heard. A classroom that supports language development is essential for ELLs.

Label classroom objects in multiple languages, including English, to help students make connections between words and objects. Use visuals, such as pictures, diagrams, and graphic organizers, to support comprehension. Incorporate language games, songs, and interactive activities that make learning fun and engaging. Here is a great FREE resource to help you start labeling your classroom! What can educators do to make English language learners (ELLs) and immigrant students feel welcome within the school community? Here are some of our most popular resources on the topic, along with related resources.

For recommended lesson plans and booklists for all ages, see our updated resource section on: by Ernesto Mejía | Apr 4, 2025 | ELL, Family Engagement, Professional Development | 0 comments Do you believe 10% of our K-12 student population should be ignored or not supported? No? Great—that’s precisely the percentage of English Language Learners (ELLs) students currently in our classrooms. That’s over 5 million students across the United States, and these students deserve a learning environment that helps them thrive—not just in English but in their academic, social, and personal growth.

More importantly, we can’t support ELL students without helping their families. When schools engage families, students succeed. CoolSpeak’s Family Engagement Expert Ernesto Mejía shares five key strategies to create a welcoming space for ELL students and their families in this blog. Why It Matters: This is a common frustration, especially in communities experiencing an influx of newcomers. The assumption is that students should just “pick up” English without structured support. But learning a language is not just about exposure—it’s about inclusion.

CoolShift: Would you feel respected and valued if you moved to another country and no one tried to communicate with you in a way you understood? Providing English language support isn’t about making things “easier”—it’s about making learning possible and creating inclusive environments where students feel safe using their native language. English leads to faster and deeper language acquisition. Today, we’re diving into practical ways to set up your classroom for the school year, ensuring it’s a space where ELLs can thrive and succeed. As teachers of ELLs, creating a language-rich and visually engaging classroom is crucial, as it supports their language development and fosters a sense of belonging. Here are 8 essential strategies to consider:

Remember, a language-rich and visually engaging classroom enhances students’ language skills, fosters inclusivity, and empowers them to participate confidently! By incorporating these strategies, you create a welcoming and supportive learning environment for all your English Language Learners. If you’ve found our podcast helpful, please consider leaving a review wherever you listen to your podcasts! This is the best way you can help more teachers find us! We all know that teaching isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be this hard. Equipping ELLs is a podcast for both ESL specialists and homeroom teachers who are looking for effective and engaging ways to support their English Language Learners without adding to their endless to-do list.

Tune in each week to hear tips, strategies, and inspirational stories that will empower you to better reach your ELL students, equip them with life-long skills, and strengthen relationships with colleagues and parents. Your host, Beth Vaucher, is the founder of Inspiring Young Learners. She is an ESL certified homeroom teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching in the US and internationally. Her background of M.Ed in ESL and Curriculum and Instruction combined with her experience has led her to develop a bestselling newcomer curriculum that has sold in over 90 countries around the globe. She brings a different perspective to teaching ELLs from her years teaching and living abroad and working with ELLs from around the world. You will walk away from each episode with the ideas and tools you need to transform your experience as a teacher and cultivate a thriving and welcoming environment for your ELL students.

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