Routines: Why they matter for Multilingual Learners
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When Multilingual Learners (MLs) start school, there are so many stimuli to manage. It can be overwhelming. When teachers incorporate routines into each class period, MLs know what to expect and can relax a bit. This can help lower the affective filter, which allows a great flow of new language.
Research Shows Us Why Routines Matter:
Creating Predictability: Routines give MLs a sense of predictability and stability, which helps reduce anxiety and improve focus. When students know what to expect, they can concentrate on the new input rather than the process.
Developing Habits: Consistent routines help students develop habits that support language learning. Regular practice with language activities reinforces skills and helps students gradually internalize new vocabulary, grammar, and communication strategies as they hear the ideas again and again.
Listen to practicing teachers talk about clear procedures and routines! Thanks for this video Core Practices for Teaching MLLs.
Engaging Classroom Language Routines
Warm-Up Activities: Start each class with a quick warm-up activity to get MLs thinking in the target language. This could be a vocabulary game, a pronunciation partner exchange, or an easy puzzle.
Daily Language Journals: In daily language journals, MLs can write about their thoughts, experiences, or reflections in the target language. This regular writing practice helps them improve their language skills and express themselves better. They search for words and phrases that matter to them in their lives.
Morning Meeting: Begin each day with a morning meeting where students greet each other and engage in brief language activities, like sharing a word of the day, practicing dialogues, or discussing cultural topics related to the language. The connection they make with each other is key for real-life language learning.
Weekly Language Challenges: Introduce weekly challenges to motivate MLs to explore the language outside of class. These challenges could include making vocabulary flashcards, visiting a store and interacting with the cashier, or researching a cultural topic at the local library.
Peer Feedback Sessions: Regularly schedule peer feedback sessions where MLs exchange assignments and offer constructive feedback to one another. This fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and language accuracy.
Closure Activities: Conclude each class with an activity, such as an exit ticket, that reinforces what was learned. This could be summarizing the lesson, practicing new skills through a game or quiz, or setting goals for future learning.
Conclusion
Integrating routines into our classrooms with MLs is key to creating an environment where students can thrive and reach their full potential. By establishing predictable structures and regular language-learning activities, teachers can empower MLs to develop strong language skills, gain confidence, and succeed in their language-learning journey. Embrace the power of routines to unlock the full potential of your MLs’ ability to learn new content.
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