50 Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners

by Adrienne L. Herrell

The third edition of Fifty Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners includes a rich assortment of practical features to support teachers as they meet some of the more daunting challenges of the 21st century classroom. All of the strategies in this book are aligned to the TESOL standards and have been field-tested in diverse classrooms. Each strategy includes a brief explanation, step-by-step instructions in how to plan and use the strategy and two classroom scenarios demonstrating how the strategy can be adapted for different grade levels and content areas. A new unique DVD included in the back of the text illustrates select strategies being used in a classroom dominated by English learners. After the demonstration lesson, one of the authors interviews the teacher for insights into how the lesson was planned and the teacher's reasons for choosing the strategy. The strategies include planning approaches, strategies for improving student involvement, vocabulary knowledge, and comprehension.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, School, Language, Textbooks, Grad School

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 1999

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some great ideas in this book and it would make a solid resource in a teaching library. However, 50 strategies is a bit of an overstatement. I know that 50 is an appealing round number, but many of the strategies and redundant.

[John Guzman I · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great resource for teachers! As a high school teacher, I enjoyed reviewing the ideas that Adrienne Herrell shared with the reader. This is a must-read for every teacher that serves our future leaders! Thanks, Adrienne, for sharing your wisdom with us!

[Kaci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot in it, but thus far I've only used it once, so I'm moving it off.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Covers a lot of techniques.

[Courtney Hatch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always trying to up my teaching game. This is a good resource to have with great suggestions for teaching ELLs. It is easy to skim over when you need a refresher. It is quite repetitive, though.

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needed it for college class

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a phenomenal resource for any teacher looking to increase their usage of best practices. These strategies are powerful for every learner in a classroom even though it is targeted towards instructing English Language Learners. I read this for my TESOL endorsement and it was easy to read and will definitely provide a treasure trove of methods to engage all of my students. I love how the strategies are formatted and classroom anecdotes are provided for both elementary and secondary classrooms. I highly recommend it.

[Ashley Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was required to purchase this text in my undergraduate career for my ELL endorsement. This text has been so useful in helping teach literacy with not only ELL students, but struggling native English speakers in the classroom too. Each skill is broken down into steps and how you implement the strategy in your classroom. Also, the text included graphic organizers to go with the strategies as well. I use mostly for vocabulary and comprehension skills.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book for ESL teachers. The one I got out from the library contained a DVD that had sample lessons to watch. There are 50 individual strategies that can be utilized like a lesson plans. Perfect for TESOL certification.

[Jenny Buckley]

Great ideas for the my team-taught EL class. The strategies are short, easy to read, and there is always an elementary and secondary example. I found a lot of helpful strategies I have already started to implement in my classroom.

[Hannah Marie. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually read the sixth edition, paperback. It is full of interesting and engaging ideas, and while I’ve used it a lot for class, I can also see myself definitely coming back to this book when teaching.

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everything was directed towards elementary and middle school readers. Not much help with students who don't want to be treated like little kids. They tend to resent that.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of awesome ideas that could be easily implemented in a classroom. I'm sure I'll need these when I start teaching again here in Seattle.

[MrsQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Far and away my favorite book on this topic. There appears to be a new edition out but I can't tell what the difference is between the new and the old (other than the fact it includes a CD).

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to implement instructional strategies

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely making its way from my bookshelf to school...a useful, practical read for anyone working with ELLs.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gives some helpful strategies to use with your students.

[Katherine Fountain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the layout of this book--easy to navigate and a quick read!! Each strategy is easy to understand and many include suggested assessments.

[Erin Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has great tips and lessons for teaching English Language Learners! It comes with a cd shows teachers teaching lessons and how they help their ELL students.

[Mandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing earth-shattering here. I'd like to read something that includes some new strategies...not the same old, same old.

[Adriansyah Adriansyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

[Wahid Ali]

this time i just think that how can i read the book

[Vandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melanie's recommendation

[Kari Ganske]

This was a good textbook for new teachers and those who need some refreshers on how to differentiate instruction. Although the title is specific to ELLs, the strategies included in the book are simply good teaching strategies for students of all ages, abilities, language acquisition levels, and in all subject areas.

[Abigail]

Apparently this is THE book in TESOL world. I rented the kindle version and I regret not just buying it, specifically a new copy for the lauded poster folded inside with all the strategies or something valuable.