English Learner Training

I'm sitting in an EL training right now, and as I'm thinking about EL strategies I learned in my credential program and other training days like these it occurs to me how well Power Teaching works for English Learners. My view on English Learner teaching strategies has always been that "differentiating" instruction for ELs more often than not doesn't mean we actually have to do something different for these students. The more I learn about SDAIE strategies and other EL teaching techniques, the more these techniques sound like good teaching practices for all students.

A great example is gestures (especially mirroring). In addition to providing context for learning new language for ELs, mirroring keeps all students engaged, allows them to think about concepts with multiple parts of their brain simultaneously. As a result of this, students can remember the material presented more effectively. This second benefit applies equally to all populations of students, so no modification has to be made especially for some. I believe this kind of thinking creates a classroom that is more equitable, and easier on the teacher to boot!