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English Language Learners will face many hurdles and encounters as they begin school in the United States and start acquiring the English language. The challenges that these students encounter range from communication and linguistic challenges to cultural differences, as well other academic and social challenges. Regardless of the circumstance, teachers are charged with the task of ensuring student success. There are several factors and components which aid in the transition into the new environment, but one of the most important components is ensuring a safe environment for ESL students. Students should feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and being themselves while in the classroom. These students should be included in content-area instruction as much as possible, and not feel isolated or alone. .
Anxiousness and other feelings of uneasiness can inhibit the students learning process so it is imperative for ESL Teachers to reduce the student's anxiety as much as possible. They should receive some extra support and attention from their teachers and support staff in the classroom. The teacher should also help to foster positive relationships between the student and their peers through varied forms of interaction such as collaborative learning groups or engaging in various games or ice breakers. The teacher should also utilize as many opportunities as possible to incorporate various cultural elements from the ELL student's native culture to enhance the lesson and overall learning experience of the entire class. .
After welcoming the student into the learning environment, it is critical to come up with an individualized reading plan to meet the needs of the student. The student is about 10 years old so will begin to acquire the English Language at a pace slower than younger students aged 6-8 but at an accelerated rate than students who are 12-15.