EP 155 My Thoughts and Experiences About Gifted ELLs

Welcome, educators! Before we dive into today’s topic, I want to share some amazing resources with you. If you’re looking for engaging materials to support your English learners, visit myadventuresinesl.com/store to download lesson plans and activities designed to make learning fun and effective.

The Impact of ESL Teachers

To all the hardworking ESL teachers—thank you for everything you do! Your dedication extends far beyond teaching words and grammar. You provide students with the tools to express themselves, connect with others, and chase their dreams. The patience, kindness, and encouragement you offer every day create a safe and inspiring space for your students to grow.

You’re not just teaching—you’re changing lives. The confidence and skills you instill in your students will stay with them forever, shaping their futures in ways you may never fully see. Your passion and heart make all the difference.

Recognizing Gifted English Language Learners

In today’s post, we’re exploring a crucial topic: how to support gifted English Language Learners (ELLs) in the classroom. Research shows that language learners are often overlooked in the gifted and talented identification process. Many educators may not realize that a student can be both a newcomer and gifted at the same time.

I’ve had conversations with teachers who assume that because a student is still learning English, they may not have the academic abilities to qualify for a gifted program. However, language learners bring unique skills and talents that can be missed simply because they do not yet speak the language fluently.

I remember sitting in a data meeting, reviewing assessments with my colleagues. As we analyzed the scores, I noticed several students scoring in the 90th percentile or higher—an indicator that they should be screened for gifted programs. However, I couldn’t help but wonder:

• How many English learners are slipping through the cracks?
• Why does the identification process rely so heavily on assessment data?

If a newcomer is brilliant in math or science but struggles with English, are they still considered for a gifted program? Unfortunately, traditional testing methods often fail to capture the full potential of multilingual learners.

How Can We Improve the Identification of Gifted ELLs?

To ensure equity in gifted identification, schools need multiple pathways for recognizing giftedness beyond standardized assessments. Some strategies include:

• Teacher nominations – Educators who work closely with students can identify advanced cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, or creativity.
• Portfolios of student work – Collecting student projects, writings, and other work samples can provide a more comprehensive view of their abilities.
• Linguistically appropriate assessments – Offering assessments in a student’s home language or using nonverbal measures can help identify giftedness beyond language proficiency.

Strategies to Support Gifted English Learners

Once identified, gifted English learners need opportunities to engage, create, and challenge themselves. Here are a few ways I support them in my classroom:

1. Using Tiered Questioning for Deeper Thinking

I incorporate Depth of Knowledge (DOK) questions to challenge students at different levels. By layering questions, I can push students beyond surface-level understanding, encouraging critical thinking.

2. Providing Enrichment Activities

Gifted students thrive when given opportunities to extend beyond the standard curriculum. One way I do this is by integrating creative projects. For example, some of my students love Legos, so I plan to collaborate with our school’s tech coach to introduce Lego robotics lessons this semester.

3. Leveraging Student Strengths

Many gifted ELLs excel in subjects like math, science, and art. I look for ways to highlight these strengths in class. Recently, one of my students who is passionate about art summarized a chapter through a comic strip instead of a written summary. Allowing students to express their learning in different ways ensures they stay engaged and challenged.

Final Thoughts

Recognizing and supporting gifted English learners is essential to ensuring equity in education. By broadening identification criteria and providing meaningful learning experiences, we can help these students reach their full potential.

If you found value in today’s post, visit myadventuresinesl.com/store to access a detailed two-week lesson plan designed to support diverse learners in your classroom!