Classroom Inventory for Multilingual Learners

Do the MLs in your classroom feel like they belong?

A foundational way to support Multilingual Learners (MLs)* is showing them that they belong as soon as they walk in your door.

I challenge you to scan your classroom with their eyes.

Do your MLs see themselves there? In what ways? What could be added?

Here’s a list as a start:

• Languages other than English are on the walls.

• Posters and pictures on walls depict people from all different countries and races.

• MLs have easy access to bilingual dictionaries.

• Translations for common school language are on walls.

• A collection of books in your content area are available in more than English.

• A world map is visible with push pins indicating students’ countries of origin.

• Agenda for the day is clearly written and easy to see.

• Content and language objectives and/or essential questions are written daily in same spot.

• Computer or iPads are available to assist with translation for difficult concepts.

• Classroom is organized for interaction in small groups or pairs.

• Equipment is labeled in dominant languages of the students.

• Class expectations are posted and translated in languages of the students.

What else would you add?

*Multilingual learners are students who are developing proficiency in multiple languages. This includes students learning English as an additional language in school (often referred to as "English learners" or "English language learners").