Sociocultural Aspects of Schooling for ELs

Sociocultural Aspects of Schooling for ELs
High school English learners face challenges in many aspects of their schooling. Making school a place students feel they belong and feel comfortable being themselves is a challenge that is not easy to overcome alone. This is something that many high school students face, but can be even harder for students who are learning the language that many of their peers already feel comfortable with. In order to help English learners feel that they belong, it is importnat to help them find ways to be involved on campus that can allow them to express themselves and make friends with similar interests. As a teacher, it is very beneficial to get to know these students so that they will share their interests with you and you can suggest clubs or organizations that they can get involved in to find a smaller group on campus to be a part of. When English learners have the support of their teachers, as well as their peers, they will have a greater opportunity to be successful. If students feel that they belong, they will be more motivated to attend school and will feel more comfortable. Making the classroom an inviting and accepting environment where all students are valued and have a place in the class, will also help students feel that they belong. Giving students roles in the classroom that they can focus on, can help to create this accepting and inclusive environment.