Surviving the First Weeks: Welcoming ESL Newcomer Students with Open Arms

ESL Back to School All About Me Activities and Classroom Decor Ideas As we gear up for the start of a new school year, I want to take a moment to share some strategies that have helped me successfully welcome and integrate my ESL students, including newcomers, into our school community. We all know that the first week and month of school can be especially stressful for our ELLs as they navigate a new environment and language. So, let's make it our mission to create a supportive and inclusive space for them right from the start! 1. ESL Notebooks and Labels          To help my ELLs feel at ease in the classroom, I make sure to label everything, from my library to supplies, and most importantly, their notebooks and folders. For newcomers and entering & emerging ELLs, terms like "reading notebook" or"writing folder" might be confusing. By attaching labels with visuals, such as a pencil, book, or relevant words, they'll gradually make connections and become more comfortable using these resources.

2. ESL Classroom Decor: Create an Inclusive and Multicultural Environment  Door Kits A welcoming classroom environment is key to making our ESL students feel valued and included. I spruce up my bulletin board with "hello" signs in different languages to celebrate our diverse community. 3. ESL All About me Activities ESL Back to School Activities are all about making connections and getting to know your students, including newcomers and new arrivals. In order to get to know my students, I use different kinds of all about me activities such as ESL Passports, ESL Classroom Quilt and ESL Backpack Full of Goals. ESL All About Me: Passports The first activity is called ESL "Citizens of the World: Passports. During this all about me activity ESL students share information about themselves, their background and their favorite things. ESL All About Me: ESL Classroom Quilt Another all about me activity is called ESL Classroom Quilt. During this all about me activity, ESL students share info about themselves and we create our ESL classroom quilt out of the squares they create. ESL All About Me: ESL Backpack Full of Goals Finally, students set academic, social and personal goals. Again, this all about me activity gives us insight into their likes, interests and aspirations.

Wishing you a fantastic start to the school year!

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