English Learners

Using English all the time at home helps ELLs learn English faster.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

When adults use their native language, the children absorb sophisticated language patterns and vocabulary, and this will transfer over to learning English.

Although there may appear to be a delay in learning English when a student is learning 2 or more languages simultaneously, the brain can distinguish between the different languages and the student’s language skills are ultimately stronger when he or she is bilingual.

ELL parents/guardians don't come to school conferences because they don't value education as much as other parents.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Many ELL parents/guardians are nervous or embarrassed about their proficiency in English and don’t attend school functions because of that or because they don’t understand what the teachers say or what the activities are all about.

Many ELL parents/guardians would like to be more involved but they work 2nd or 3rd shift and can’t attend evening or afternoon functions, or they would forfeit pay if they left work during the day.

Most ELLs come from low-income backgrounds with low-educated parents.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

* It is impossible to generalize about the socio-economic and educational backgrounds of ELLs because of the wide range of their circumstances.

When ELLs make grammar mistakes when speaking, it's best to correct them right away so they don’t make the same mistake again.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

* As long as the ideas being conveyed can be understood by the listener(s), it isn’t necessary to correct every single error.  But if someone doesn’t understand what an ELL is saying because of a grammar mistake, then the error should be corrected.  Or if an ELL makes a mistake in using a grammar structure that has already been taught, then pointing that out can be helpful so the ELL knows how to use that structure correctly.

Good teaching is all that’s needed to help ELLs succeed in school.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Having a good teacher is important for all students, not just ELLs, but an ELL needs more than just a good teacher to succeed in school.

ELLs need teachers who know how to deliver academic content in ways that make it comprehensible for students who are not yet fluent in the English language.

Parents of ELLs do not speak English.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Children who are not proficient in English does not mean their parents are not proficient

Many parents want their children to retain their native language and culture so they will not expose their children to English prior to attending school

ELLs are fluent in their native language.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

It’s not uncommon for children to replace their first language with English