manipulative vs. communicative styles

[ginawirth]

As I am studying the proven techniques that work best with ELLs, I realized that I will have to make a significant changes in my teaching style. I have taught both regular education and special education and both have required a good amount of teacher directed, manipulative style teaching. I truly feel that this technique will never work with the same success in an ESL classroom. I know that ESL students must have continued opportunities to explore their new language and use it in meaningful ways as they explore their new environment. This will be a new and exciting experience for all of us as I learn best practices for ESL.