Webinar Recap: Welcoming Newcomers: Back-to-School Strategies

These students face unique challenges, including language barriers, cultural adjustments, social integration, and academic difficulties. However, whether you’re an experienced teacher or new to working with English learners, the strategies discussed can help you create a welcoming and effective learning environment, using Book Creator as an essential tool to help newcomers thrive.

Key strategies for supporting newcomers

Use sentence frames

Melissa Eaton emphasizes the importance of sentence frames in helping newcomers begin to express themselves in English. Sentence frames provide students with a structure for their sentences, allowing them to focus on vocabulary and grammar without the overwhelming task of creating sentences from scratch. For example, students might use frames like "I am wearing ___" or "I have on a ___" to describe clothing, which can be adapted to any subject matter.

Foster collaboration and partnership

Lisa Lynk discusses the power of collaboration, both among teachers and students. By pairing newcomers with a buddy in the classroom, teachers can create an environment where students support each other’s learning. Lisa also highlights the use of Book Creator's collaboration features, which allow students to work together on projects, even if they speak different languages. This collaborative approach not only helps newcomers learn English but also builds empathy and understanding among all students.

Create vocabulary notebooks

Both Melissa and Lisa use vocabulary notebooks in Book Creator to help students build their language skills. These notebooks allow students to practice reading, writing, and speaking new words in a structured and interactive way. By including audio recordings and images, teachers can make vocabulary learning more engaging and accessible, especially for younger students or those with limited English proficiency.

Utilize "About Me" books

About Me books are a great way for newcomers to introduce themselves to the class while practicing their new language skills. These books can be customized in Book Creator to include both the student’s native language and English, helping to build a bridge between the two. This activity also encourages collaboration, as students can work together to create and share their books.

Adapt curriculum with Book Creator

For more advanced students, Lisa suggests adapting existing curriculum resources using Book Creator. By importing PDFs and adding interactive elements, teachers can make grade-level content more accessible to newcomers. This approach allows students to engage with the same material as their peers, but at a level and pace that suits their language proficiency.

Whether you’re working with newcomers for the first time or looking for new ideas to enhance your teaching, these strategies offer practical, effective ways to empower your students and make a lasting impact on their education.

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