Blog Series Back to School for New ESL and Multilingual Learner Teachers

Blog #2 Strategies for Building Relationships with MLs

***Disclaimer: In this blog, the terms ESL students (English as a Second Language), ELLs (English Language Learners), and ML (Multilingual Learners) are used interchangeably. While “Multilingual Learners” is becoming the more widely accepted term, “ESL students” and “English Language Learners” are still commonly used in various contexts. My aim is to be inclusive and clear to all readers, regardless of the terminology they are familiar with.

Developing relationships with multilingual learners goes beyond greetings. It involves intentional strategies that foster belonging and community.

ESL First Day Activity That Builds Relationships: "All About Me" Passport for ELLs

The first day of school in an ESL classroom is more than just introductions and schedules—it's a powerful opportunity to set the tone for belonging, inclusion, and student voice. One of the ways I do that is with a simple yet meaningful activity: All About Me “Citizens of the World” Passports.

This project isn’t just about getting to know students—it’s about students learning about each other. It’s about showing them that their voices, their languages, and their cultures matter. It’s about laying the foundation for a classroom culture that values diversity, identity, and expression-and reminds them they are part of a global community.

“A student’s sense of belonging in school is positively associated with their academic motivation, engagement, and performance—particularly for English learners.”

ESL Back to School Strategy: Give Students a Voice on Day One

When we think about the first week of school, it’s easy to focus on routines and procedures—but for ESL students, those first few days can feel like stepping into a completely unfamiliar world. That’s why I prioritize activities that give students an opportunity to speak about themselves in ways that feel safe and accessible—using visuals, drawings, familiar words, and even just listening at first. 

The “Citizens of the World” passport is designed to do exactly that.
Students share where they’re from, their languages, favorite foods, hobbies, and more. They see that they’re not the only ones who come from somewhere else—and that their classmates have unique stories, too. Suddenly, what makes them different becomes what connects them.

ESL All About Me Activity With Built-in Differentiation and Inclusion

This activity has three versions, so every student can access it no matter their English level:

• Level 1 (Newcomers): This page includes drawing boxes and sentence starters. I had a newcomer this year from Mexico who didn’t speak much English yet, but he drew a picture of his country’s flag, some tacos, and a soccer ball. The sentence stems and the visual word bank and ability to draw gave him just enough support to try writing.
• Level 2 (Beginners): These students use the drawing boxes and no sentence stems. One of my students who has been in the U.S. for a few months felt proud showing me his favorite subject and music through drawings, labeling and some writing. 
• Level 3 (Intermediate/Advanced): This page have lines for full writing, and students are encouraged to expand on their ideas. 

The visual word banks and pre-teaching cut-and-paste vocabulary activity are especially helpful for my newcomer learners. They can see, hear, and use the new words in a meaningful context, which builds confidence from the start.

“When English learners are given opportunities to express themselves through drawing, visuals, and familiar vocabulary, their confidence and participation increase.”

Why This Matters: Students Are More Than Learners—They’re Culture-Bearers

Each passport becomes more than just a personal project—it becomes a way to build community. We use them to spark partner conversations, gallery walks, or classroom displays. When we hang the passports on our “Citizens of the World” board, it sends a strong message:

You belong here. Who you are matters. Your background enriches our classroom.

“Identity development and cultural connection are essential to English learners’ sense of belonging, which directly influences their ability to thrive in school.”

Students see how their identities contribute to a bigger picture. They are not outsiders trying to fit in - they are contributors to a vibrant, multicultural learning space.

Why Benefits Beyond the First Week

 This activity does more than create a warm welcome. It helps:

• Give students a voice in the classroom
• Teach teachers about their learners in an authentic way
• Build peer understanding and empathy
• Reinforce vocabulary and writing skills in context
• Celebrate multilingualism and cultural pride
• Introduce global citizenship as a classroom value

Why ESL Teachers Should Spend the First Weeks Building Relationships

When we take time to build connections, we’re laying the foundation for everything that follows:

• Students begin to trust us and each other.
• They’re more willing to take risks with speaking, reading, and writing.
• We learn what motivates them—and how to better support them.
• They see that their culture and language are valued, not something to hide.

In short, we create a classroom that’s safe for growth. 

ESL Back to School Should Start with Identity and Connection. 

As MLL teachers, we know how critical it is to build trust, identity, and connection before diving into content. This “All About Me” passport activity supports language development, yes—but more importantly, it builds a classroom culture that values every learner for who they are.

By giving students space to share their stories and celebrate what makes them unique, we also help them see that they’re not alone—and that they’re part of something bigger.

They are, truly, Citizens of the World.

If you’re planning your first day in the ESL classroom, I highly recommend making space for this kind of relationship-building work. It’s worth every minute—and it makes a lasting impact.

Also check out my BTS All About me Bundle 

Happy Teaching!

ESL Resource Meet