Teaching Multiple Language Levels

Hello Friends,

Multiple Language Levels in the Same Class

I recently received an email from a fellow ESL teacher about the challenges of teaching students with varying language proficiency levels in the same classroom. I thought my response might be useful to others facing similar situations, so I decided to share my insights and strategies. If you’re interested in learning how I managed mixed language levels in one class, keep reading!

Teaching ESL with Multiple Language Levels

Teaching multiple language levels to students at different language proficiency levels can be incredibly challenging. It requires careful planning and adaptability to meet the needs of all learners. Here are some strategies I use to effectively juggle these mixed language levels:

I like to check the Dutro ELD Matrix across language levels and identify language components that I can teach to different levels by just tweaking them a little.

Differentiated Instruction

Tailor your teaching methods to accommodate the different proficiency levels in your classroom. This means preparing varied activities and assignments that cater to beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. For example, while advanced students might work on complex reading comprehension exercises, beginners can focus on basic vocabulary building.
Have students with higher language teach a piece of grammar to lower language students. I also have the higher-language kids use sentence starters and language frames and work with the lower-language students. After a sentence(s) were created the higher language students rewrote the sentence(s) using more words in each sentence, a higher level of vocabulary and grammar. The way everyone got a workout!

Group Work and Pairing:

Utilize group work and pairing to promote peer learning. Pairing stronger students with those who need more support can foster a collaborative learning environment. This not only helps lower-level students learn from their peers but also reinforces the knowledge of the more advanced students as they explain concepts.
I also ran centers by language levels. While I taught one group a mini-lesson I would have the other group(s) work on a writing project, play games that practice grammar or language I had previously taught or a speaking project recording themselves on an iPad.

Flexible Seating and Learning Stations:

Organize your classroom into different learning stations where students can engage in various activities suited to their proficiency levels. This setup allows for more targeted instruction and can make the learning experience more dynamic and engaging.

Games are fun ways for everyone to practice language. I play a lot of card games with game boards and put all the students together. I have 2 or 3 different card piles based on language level (which I color code for easy sorting). Each student knows which pile to draw from, and practices the language appropriate for their level, but everyone rolls and moves their game pieces around the same board! It is a great way to differentiate!

Teach cognates whole class!

Teaching Multiple Language Levels with Thematic Units

My favorite way of doing mixed language levels in one class is using thematic ESL units. I teach a theme and use the same language functions, but change the grammar and vocabulary according to language level. I have written a variety of theme-based units that you can find here:

Thematic ESL Units

I also love teaching ESL with themed-based science units. They are super fun and the prep, experiments bulletin boards, etc. are basically the same. I just adjusted the vocabulary, grammar, and prompts by language level.

Please try out some of these suggestions and let me know how they work for you! By implementing these strategies, you can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment for all your students, regardless of their language proficiency levels. Remember, the goal is to ensure that every student feels supported and challenged, enabling them to reach their full potential.

What are some of your favorite ways to teach classes with mixed language proficiency levels? Let us know below in the comments!

Happy Teaching!

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