Helping English Language Learners (ELL) Acculturate

Learning a new culture, including language, also known as acculturation, is a very difficult task for most people. For students who are new to the country and are in the process of transitioning and understanding the American way of life, placing them in a classroom full of fluent English speakers can be an extremely intimidating task to take on. For this reason, it is very important for teachers to understand various cultures, customs, and the proper ways to help these students acculturate smoothly and successfully. A good teacher who understands the significance of this matter can truly make a world of difference in the lives and education of these students.

There are various approaches you can take in your own classroom to facilitate the acculturation of the English Language Learners (ELL). First and foremost, you must always remember to support every single one of their cultures. This is a crucial step in helping them feel accepted, and once they do, you will notice how much easier everything else becomes. This is because, initially, these students feel uncomfortable with the change and the unfamiliar classmates whose language and culture they do not understand at all. Therefore, they do not feel as if they are a true member of the class, and this contributes significantly to the reason why they struggle. Once these students overcome these obstacles, they begin to feel accepted, their confidence levels build, and they become better overall students.

I believe it is crucial to involve the class as a whole in an ELL's transition and education. He/she will spend a good portion of the week with these same students, so not only will involving the class in the student's education promote friendship, but it will also create a sense amongst the classmates that their kindness and support has been a large contribution towards the student's acculturation and success. Everyone will be willing to work together as a team, and this will create healthy confidence levels for not only the ELL, but for the entire class as well!