A Guide for Classroom Teachers - Education

Finding and Using Resources
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Knowing about the resources available to help meet the needs of ESL students
and gaining access to these resources will enable any classroom teacher to
provide more effective instruction for ESL learners. These resources include
instructional materials for use with students, the expertise of ESL specialist teacher, and
the numerous publications providing research updates, methodological suggestions,
curriculum outlines, or other information related to the teaching of English as a Second
Language students.
Instructional Materials
Teachers who have experience working with ESL students recommend having available
in the classroom:
• dictionaries specifically designed for learners of English (this type of dictionary
provides pronunciation keys, simple explanations, and contextualized examples
rather than the precise definitions and information about part of speech given in
standard dictionaries)
• bilingual dictionaries
• picture and visual dictionaries
• alphabet letters (print and cursive)
• drawing, painting, and modelling supplies (e.g., plasticine)
• catalogues, magazines, or other heavily illustrated reading material
• games (including board games, card games, and computer games that require or
focus on language use at an appropriate level)
• manipulatives
• realia
As a resource person, the ESL specialist may act as an advocate for
ESL students, for multicultural understanding in the school and
community, and for the idea that continued growth in students’
first languages should be supported.
ESL ESL Learners: Learners: A A Guide Guide for for Classroom Classroom Teachers
Teachers