Supporting English-Language Learners in Mainstream Classrooms

The student population in school classrooms across the United States continues to become more and more diverse. The make up of our classrooms is comprised of students whose diversity ranges from learning styles/preferences and abilities to different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Teachers in mainstream classrooms are required to meet the needs of all their students including English language learners (ELLs) and provide them with instruction that is relevant and meaningful. In order to accomplish such tasks, teachers must develop a relationship and get to know their students as unique individuals and value their cultural and linguistic diversity. This article explores some strategies mainstream classroom teachers can use to relate to and effectively teach ELLs