Building Relationships with English Language Learners

I used to struggle connecting with my students. I knew that was the most important part of my job. So I found a better way. I hope you find it as useful as I did. It's the R.E.L.A.T.E framework. Don't skip any step. It's a package deal. R - Recognize individuality Every student is different. Notice their strengths, weaknesses, and interests. If you don't understand them, you can't reach them. E - Empathize with them What might they be experiencing? Don't just assume. Dig and find out. Teaching isn't just about academics. L - Listen to them Find out what they're going through. Understand why they might be disengaged. When you care you become someone they trust. A - Affirm their feelings Identify their concerns. Explain why their feelings are valid. Make sure they see you understand them. A few moments can make them feel seen and respected. T - Teach human skills It's not all about academics. Teach them empathy, responsibility, resilience. Validate their need to learn these skills. This helps them trust your guidance. E - Ensure regular feedback Address any concerns they have about their performance. Provide constructive feedback (hint: use AI). Encourage them to do better. When students see you put in effort They will reciprocate. This framework has been a game-changer for me. I hope it does the same for you.

Connecting our elementary English learners with their middle school bilingual peers of the same language is one of the most eye opening experiences for both groups of students. Our elementary students gain a sense of connection and comfort. They realize that they are not alone! Our middle and high school level kids gain a sense of confidence. They understand their vital role in leadership! I believe that Connection, Comfort, and Confidence are the ingredients that move the needle towards a successful district EL program. When we can instill these ingredients in not only the students, but in the teachers, families, and administrators that collaborate with them, it creates a commitment to a culture of encouragement and engagement for all. How are you creating these components in your districts? I’m happy to share how we do anytime!

Question: Do you see an increase in diversity among your students at your school? How culturally responsive are the teaching practices at your school? In this PD session today I shared 6 Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices with the group of teachers pictured below. Here are 3 of them. 1. Get to know your students and about their cultures. Before you can use what you know about a student’s culture to teach them, you must first know them well. Learning about your students is the key to culturally responsive teaching. This includes talking with students, asking them questions, truly knowing about their family life, history, and experiences. Then you can look for ways to use the assets of various cultures to enhance what you are teaching. 2. Develop an asset-based mindset. Culturally responsive teachers understand that being bilingual is a true asset for the student both socially and globally. Growing the bilingual brain is of utmost importance. Teachers who embrace culturally responsive teaching build a classroom community that embraces languages and literacy of all types. Literacy in the native language is valued and encouraged. This leads to point number 3. 3. Learn a few words in your students’ native language and introduce them to students in class who do not speak that language. Why? Imagine moving to China and not knowing how to speak Chinese. Everything is written in Chinese and all you hear is a language you are unfamiliar with. Imagine now that your teacher learns a few words in English and says them to you. Maybe she says “Hello” or “Welcome.” Whatever it is, imagine the feeling it would evoke. Wouldn’t that make you feel a little more comfortable? When students are new to the country and speak little or no English, learning a few words in their native languages helps form a connection, shows that we care, and comforts them. For more tips feel free to reach out! Let’s work together to create learning environments where ALL students feel accepted, valued, and appreciated!