Classroom Inventory for Multilingual Learners

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.