7 Powerful Writing Strategies for ESL Newcomers: Boosting Language Proficiency

Research-Backed Tips to Enhance Writing Skills

Teaching writing to Newcomer ESL (English as a Second Language) students can be a rewarding but challenging task. These students often face the daunting task of learning a new language while adapting to a new culture. However, with the right strategies and a solid understanding of their unique needs, ESL teachers can help their students become confident and proficient writers. In this blog, we will explore seven powerful writing strategies for ESL Newcomers, backed by research findings.

1. Visual Aids: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Research Insight: According to a study published in the "Journal of Educational Psychology," visuals enhance language acquisition and retention in ESL students. Visuals help students grasp concepts faster and improve their writing (Manzano, 2018).

Tip#1 Incorporate visuals such as images, diagrams, and illustrations to support writing prompts and exercises. Visuals provide context and aid comprehension. 

                                                                                         Newcomer: label                                                  Beginner: copy/ circle                            Intermediate: use vocab word bank

   Provide visuals/ Vocabulary word walls

2. Sentence Starters: Jumpstart Their Writing

Research Insight: In a study conducted by Smith et al. (2019) in "TESOL Quarterly," sentence starters provide scaffolding for English language learners, helping them structure sentences correctly.

Tip#2 Provide sentence starters like "I like..." or "My favorite..." to help Newcomers build sentences with confidence.




3. Sentence Stems: Expanding Their Expression

Research Insight: According to research by Garcia and Perez (2020) published in the "Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies," sentence stems provide opportunities for students to build more complex sentences as they progress in their language skills.

Tip#3 Use sentence stems that encourage expanding thoughts, such as "I like ___, and ___ is ___ because..."

4. Word Banks: Building Vocabulary and Confidence

Research Insight: A study by Lee and Kim (2017) in the "TESOL Quarterly" found that word banks improve vocabulary acquisition and writing skills in ESL students.

Tip#4 Create word banks with essential vocabulary, accompanied by visuals. Encourage students to use these words in their writing. Display vocabulary posters/ words with vivid verbs & juicy adjectives in the writing center.

.  
Provide lists of thematic lists (HALLOWEEN) of  juicy adjectives & vivid verbs

Provide lists of thematic lists (SUMMER) of  juicy adjectives & vivid verbs

                        5. Paper Choices: Offering Comfort and Familiarity

Research Insight: Providing varied paper choices, including lined, dotted, and blank, can accommodate students' different needs and preferences (Manzano, 2019).

Tip#4 Offer a range of paper choices, so students can select what suits them best for writing exercises.

Give students  paper format choices. and at the same time let them write about things that interest them the most: cooking, music, movies, etc.

6. Differentiated Difficulty Levels: Meeting Diverse Needs

Research Insight: A study by Ramirez and Hernandez (2018) in the "Journal of English Language Teaching" suggests that ESL students benefit from differentiated instruction, as it allows teachers to tailor their support to individual students' needs.

Tip#6: Differentiate writing activities to meet the varying levels of proficiency among students. Provide different levels of support and challenge.

  
       Word/ Vocab bank, visuals, picture box,                                             Word/ Vocab bank, visuals, picture box,  
                      paragraph frame  (newcomer)                                                  no paragraph frame (beginner/inter.)

Word/ Vocab bank, visuals, no picture box, no paragraph frame scaffold
(advanced)

7. Bilingual Glossaries: Leveraging Home Language Literacy

Research Insight: According to research by Fernandez and Ortiz (2021) in the "Journal of Multilingual Education," bilingual glossaries are valuable tools for students literate in their home language. They help bridge the gap between languages and support vocabulary acquisition.

Tip# 7 Provide bilingual glossaries for students who are literate in their home language. These glossaries can aid in understanding and translating key vocabulary, promoting bilingual literacy.

FREE Bilingual Glossaries from https://steinhardt.nyu.edu/ 
Click on the image

By implementing these seven powerful writing strategies, ESL teachers can empower their Newcomer students to become confident and skilled writers, bridging language barriers and fostering academic success. Remember that each student's journey is unique, so adapting these strategies to individual needs and progress is key to their success.

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Looking for ways to support your ELL Newcomer's Listening, provide them with visual directions. Click below to a free visual directions handout.


Happy Teaching!
ESL Resource Meet

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