Strategies for Supporting English Language Learners

19 September 2025

English Language Learners (ELLs) bring rich culture, diverse perspectives, and unique experiences into our classrooms. But let’s face it—learning a new language while trying to keep up with academic content? That’s no walk in the park. If you’re a teacher, parent, or someone who’s wondering how to best support ELLs, you’re in the right place.

Whether it’s a student who just arrived in an English-speaking country or one who’s been around for a while but still struggles with language nuances, the right strategies can make a big difference. We’re talking about boosting confidence, building community, and creating an environment that helps these learners thrive.

So, let’s dive into practical, human-centered strategies to empower and support English Language Learners in meaningful, lasting ways.

Understanding the Needs of English Language Learners

Before jumping into strategies, let’s take a moment. What do ELLs really need?

Here’s the thing: language learning isn’t just about vocabulary and grammar. It’s also about identity, feeling safe, and being understood. ELLs often navigate school, home, and social environments that may clash in culture and language. That's a tall order for anyone—especially for kids.

So, what can we do? Start with empathy and intention.

1. Create a Welcoming and Inclusive Environment

Imagine walking into a room where everyone speaks a language you barely understand. A little intimidating, right?

That’s what many ELL students experience daily. Creating a warm, safe environment where mistakes are okay and diversity is celebrated can set the tone for success.

Ways to Make ELLs Feel at Home

- Display multilingual signs in common areas and classrooms.
- Celebrate cultural diversity through classroom activities, holidays, and student stories.
- Pair students with buddies who can help them navigate the school day and translate when necessary.
- Smile and show patience. Sometimes, a kind face is all it takes to feel seen.

When students feel welcomed, they’re more likely to participate and take risks in learning.

2. Prioritize Language Development without Sacrificing Content

Here’s the balancing act: help students build English skills while still teaching them math, science, history, and the rest.

It’s entirely possible—and necessary—to do both.

How to Balance Language and Learning

- Use visuals and gestures. Think images, real objects, hand movements—anything to make your meaning clearer.
- Build vocabulary intentionally. Pre-teach key words before lessons. Don’t just throw them into the mix and hope students pick them up.
- Use sentence frames like “I think ___ because ___” to model academic responses.
- Encourage reading and writing in both English and their native language. Literacy is transferable!

Don't underestimate the power of scaffolding—giving learners the support they need to reach the next step without overwhelming them.

3. Incorporate Technology Thoughtfully

Technology can be an incredible bridge for ELLs… if used wisely.

Ever seen a student light up when they get to use a language-learning app or translate a phrase on a tablet? That’s the tech magic at work.

Tech Tools That Help ELLs

- Translation apps like Google Translate (with supervision).
- Language learning programs like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone.
- Speech-to-text tools for students who struggle with writing.
- Interactive platforms like Kahoot or Quizlet to make vocabulary fun.

But here’s the key—don’t over-rely on tech. It should support, not replace, human interaction and real-time learning.

4. Build Strong Relationships

At the end of the day, relationships matter. ELLs often feel isolated, especially if they’re new to the country or school.

A teacher’s care and consistency can be life-changing.

Tips to Build Trust and Connection

- Learn how to pronounce their name correctly. It may seem small, but it shows respect.
- Check in regularly. Ask how they’re doing—inside and outside the classroom.
- Involve families in the learning process. Send newsletters in their home language or use interpreters during parent-teacher meetings.
- Celebrate wins—even small ones. A correct answer, a completed homework assignment, or participating in a class discussion is cause for celebration.

When students know they are valued, they work harder, take more risks, and engage more deeply.

5. Differentiate Instruction

One-size-fits-all teaching just doesn’t cut it when working with ELLs. These students are at different language levels and come with different needs.

So, what can you do? Mix it up.

Strategies for Differentiating Lessons

- Offer tiered activities. Assign tasks with varying complexity based on proficiency level.
- Use graphic organizers to help students structure their thinking.
- Give choice—let students demonstrate their understanding in different ways (drawing, speaking, writing, etc.).
- Adjust your speech. Speak slower, use shorter sentences, and avoid idioms unless you explain them.

Differentiation is not about lowering the bar. It’s about helping students rise to it with the tools they need.

6. Encourage Peer Collaboration

Who says learning has to be a solo journey? Peer work is a game-changer for ELLs.

Collaborating with classmates helps them practice English in a real, low-pressure setting. Plus, it builds friendships too.

How to Make Peer Work Effective

- Use structured group roles. Assign jobs like “note-taker” or “timekeeper” to give every student a purpose.
- Mix language levels. Pairing a higher-level English speaker with an ELL can offer a helpful model.
- Teach students to be language helpers. Train them to rephrase or slow down when working with an ELL peer.

Learning through peers isn’t just effective—it’s fun and social, and that’s a powerful combo.

7. Build Language Skills Daily

Learning English isn’t a one-and-done thing—it’s a daily commitment. The more practice ELLs get, the better they’ll become.

Think of it like building a muscle—consistency is key.

Daily Practices That Boost Language Growth

- Start with “word of the day” to build vocabulary.
- Use chants, songs, and rhymes. They’re catchy and help with retention.
- Practice speaking through daily discussions, role-plays, and presentations.
- Journal writing. Even a few sentences a day improves writing fluency.

Make language learning part of the regular class routine, not a separate or special event.

8. Foster a Growth Mindset

ELLs need encouragement. A lot of it. Because learning a new language can feel like climbing a mountain—in sandals.

Cultivating a growth mindset helps students stick with it when things get tough.

Promote Positive Self-Talk and Resilience

- Praise effort over accuracy. Celebrate how hard they’re trying, not just how right their answers are.
- Share stories of successful ELLs. Let them see what's possible.
- Teach them that mistakes are part of learning. Everyone stumbles—it’s how we learn to walk.

Tell them often: “You can do this. You are doing this.”

9. Support First Language Development

Let’s bust a myth right here: encouraging students to maintain their first language does NOT slow down their English learning—it actually helps.

Research shows that bilingual learners have stronger cognitive skills and better academic outcomes overall.

Ways to Support Native Language Use

- Let students write in their first language when brainstorming or expressing complex ideas.
- Encourage families to speak and read in their home language.
- Provide bilingual books when available.
- Honor their linguistic identity—it’s part of who they are.

Think of language as a toolbox. Supporting both languages isn’t about adding weight—it’s about giving them more tools for success.

10. Be Patient and Persistent

Here’s a little truth bomb to close with: progress may be slow at times, and that’s okay.

Language learning is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate the process. Recognize progress, even if it’s not linear. And keep showing up.

When students see that their teachers and school community are endlessly rooting for them, they start to believe in themselves too.

Final Thoughts

Supporting English Language Learners is one of the most meaningful roles an educator can take on. It’s not just about helping them master English—it’s about helping them build confidence, identity, and a sense of belonging.

Every student has something valuable to offer. With the right strategies in place, ELLs will not only succeed in your classroom—they’ll thrive.

So go ahead. Be their champion. Help them find their voice, in every language they speak.