Getting Creative While Teaching ESL Students Virtually

During these uncertain times, educators all over are trying to find ways to get creative while teaching ESL students virtually. The article I read this week was very inspiring! The article  focused on different ways that ESL teachers in a particular school district have become creative for their ESL students. The students in the school district are simultaneously learning on the computer in class and at home. 

The teachers emphasized that first and foremost as an ESL teacher, you become very dramatic, act things out, color code, and put things in two different language to make sure students understand (Joas, 2020). Students most often struggle with interpreting directions, so extra effort is required by teachers. Computer extensions in the form of emojis is one way that teachers manage to check student understanding. They are essentially a way for students to express to the teacher if they do/do not understand what is being discussed. 

Wearing a mask during instruction time also poses language learning difficulties for ESL students in regards to pronunciation. One teacher in the district made accommodations to teach her students from the school library so she could remove her mask. The students remained in the classroom and connected with the teacher virtually. By doing this, the teacher was able to articulate more clearly and follow up with the students while doing practice pronunciation activities. I personally believe this teacher went the extra mile for her students, which is amazing! I think all ESL students and teachers should be given an opportunity like this especially during in-person instruction. I myself am finding it difficult to work on pronunciation with my ELL students due to wearing a mask. 

Flipgrid was another tool that teachers within this school district found useful for ESL students. I have never heard of Flipgrid prior to reading this article. From what I understand of the article, Flipgrid is a program that allows teachers to pose a question and students have to respond. It appears as if Flipgrid acts as a video discussion board for students and teachers. All students are able to view the discussion and provide comments. The teachers have found that this is a great way to get students speaking and responding without putting them at the center of attention like in a normal class. 

In this new teaching era that we are experiencing, it is extremely important that teachers collaborate and share ideas with one another in order to enhance learning for our ESL students. 

Joas, J. (2020, October). Waterbury teachers find creative ways to educate english eearners virtually. Retrieved from https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/back-to-school/waterbury-teachers-find-creative-ways-to-educate-english-learners-virtually/2344145/