Starting to Use Inclusive Minded Language

As part of the class Adolescent Development, I will be tutoring an English Language Learner (ELL). An important part of effective communication is understanding what vocabulary is best to convey the necessary information.  English Language Learners are usually students who have moved to America.  While they are often intelligent and motivated people, the language barrier we face as educators presents a challenge as they continue their education here.  To aid teachers in this step, the organization WIDA provides resources which help educators identify where a student is in the language learning process.  WIDA breaks down English into five language proficiency standards, which are social and instructional language, the language of language art, the language of mathematics, the language of science, and the language of social studies.  Within these settings, WIDA has stages which assess ELLs' ability to comprehend and exercise language.  These stages include: entering, emerging, developing, expanding, bridging, and reaching.  I do not know how well my student speaks English, but I do understand that he/she is fairly new to the United States and is working hard towards proficiency.