Creating a Welcoming Environment for your Language Learners

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This year I want to switch it up and start asking you a weekly reflection question. After hearing the question, take a moment to think and jot down your answer. I know some of you are listening to this on the go or possibly reading this in passing. I would still like you to take five minutes and reflect. This can have a huge impact on your teaching. Here is our weekly reflection question: Are you providing your Language Learners and their families with A+ customer service?

Have you ever been in a situation where you have witnessed your Language Learners and/or their families receiving subpar treatment? It is the most heartbreaking situation to be in as an educator. The families concerns are often dismissed, glossed over, or they may be provided minimal attention. Some of the activities they are invited to participate in may be a second thought. This can be upsetting to you, the families, and your students. 

Imagine that your school is planning an elaborate back to school program for the upcoming school year. You know that you have Language Learners from a variety of cultures and you want them to feel included. This leads you to start researching ways to include the many families at your school. 

Then you hit a roadblock. You are finding limited resources and are not sure what you need to do to welcome your Language Learners back. 

The first step to this process is empathizing with your students. It is important that if you plan on welcoming them into your school and classrooms you fully understand some of the situations that may be coming from. You might have some students who are coming from refugee camps, unstable situations in their home countries. On the other hand some students may be moving to a new country because their parents/guardians have a new job. Whatever the situation might be, take the time to put yourself in the students’ shoes. 

Ask yourself how might they be feeling right now? If I were them, what would I need to be comfortable?

Whether the students are returning on the first day or the 150th day you want to create a warm and welcoming environment. This starts the minute your Language Learners walk through the door. That is why it is so crucial to get the front office staff involved in any efforts to welcome the students and their families. If there are student workers, you can have them give the families a tour of the school. 

Finally, take a deep look at your teaching practices and your classroom. Ask yourself a simple question. Is this classroom inclusive of all my students’ backgrounds and cultures?

Here is a quick recap:

• Empathize with your students and their situations. 
• Brainstorm ways to welcome your students to the school building. 
• Reflect on how your teaching practices can be more inclusive of your students represented in your school.

Your next steps are simple and clear. I would also encourage you to download “The Ultimate ESL Teacher Guide”.