When we think about learning a language, we often focus on speaking, reading, and writing. But did you know that listening is actually the foundation of language acquisition? Without strong listening skills, English language learners (ELLs) struggle to process information, understand conversations, and develop fluency.
Listen in to Episode 168 here!
Why Listening is Crucial for ELLs
So, how can we support ELLs in strengthening their listening skills? Here are five simple classroom routines that make a huge difference.
5 Classroom Routines to Improve Listening Skills
1. Daily Listening Warmups
Start each lesson with a short listening activity. Play a weather report, short story, or news clip and ask students basic questions. This builds stamina and helps students get into the habit of active listening.
2. Add a Listening Objective to Each Lesson
Before starting a lesson, set a clear listening goal. For example, “Today, we’re learning about the water cycle. Listen for the words evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.” This gives students a specific focus while they listen.
3. Use Listening Journals
Have students jot down or draw something they heard during a lesson. This simple practice helps them process information and reflect on their learning.
4. Partner Listening Checks
Pair students together for interactive listening exercises. One student says a sentence, and the other repeats it or answers a question about it. This encourages peer interaction and builds listening confidence.
5. “What Did You Hear?” Exit Tickets
At the end of the lesson, ask students to write or draw one key takeaway from what they heard that day. This keeps them engaged and helps you assess their comprehension.
Bonus Listening Activities
Looking for more ways to improve listening skills? Try:
Resources and Links:
- Get your Free Listening Activities Cards Download
- Join the Equipping ELLs Membership
- Shop our TpT Store
Connect with Beth:
More about Equipping ELLs:
We all know that teaching isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be this hard. Equipping ELLs is a podcast for both ESL specialists and homeroom teachers who are looking for effective and engaging ways to support their English Language Learners without adding to their endless to-do list. Tune in each week to hear tips, strategies, and inspirational stories that will empower you to better reach your ELL students, equip them with life-long skills, and strengthen relationships with colleagues and parents.
Your host, Beth Vaucher, is the founder of Inspiring Young Learners. She is an ESL certified homeroom teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching in the US and internationally. Her background of M.Ed in ESL and Curriculum and Instruction combined with her experience has led her to develop a bestselling newcomer curriculum that has sold in over 90 countries around the globe. She brings a different perspective to teaching ELLs from her years teaching and living abroad and working with ELLs from around the world. You will walk away from each episode with the ideas and tools you need to transform your experience as a teacher and cultivate a thriving and welcoming environment for your ELL students.
