Three Ways To Support Multilingual Learners With Social-Emotional Needs

Supporting the social-emotional needs of multilingual learners is a crucial but often overlooked aspect of teaching. These students come from diverse backgrounds and bring a variety of experiences with them. As educators, we should know how to implement strategies that address not only their academic needs but also their emotional well-being.

Here are three ways we can support our multilingual learners' social-emotional needs:

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1. Create a Welcoming Classroom Space

Multilingual learners often transition between different classrooms throughout the day, which can be overwhelming. A calm and welcoming learning environment can help them feel safe and ready to learn. Consider setting up a designated area in your classroom with:

• Coloring sheets, fidgets, and journals

• A small mailbox where students can write notes to you about their feelings

• Bilingual visuals and posters with helpful phrases for expressing emotions

• Sentence stems such as “I feel...because…”

• Mood meters and greetings in the languages spoken by your students

Let students know they can use this space when they need a moment to regulate their emotions.

2. Establish Predictable Routines

Changes in schedule, including having a substitute teacher, can be stressful for multilingual learners. Establishing consistent routines and a structured flow to your lessons can help reduce anxiety.

If you know you’ll be absent, leave clear instructions for your substitute, including:

• Key classroom routines

• Strategies for working with specific students

• Information on support staff, such as school counselors, social workers, or psychologists

Collaborating with these professionals ensures multilingual learners receive the emotional support they need.

3. Set Goals with Your Students

Teaching students how to set goals and reflect on their progress fosters a growth mindset, which is especially valuable for multilingual learners. Encourage them to develop problem-solving strategies and recognize their achievements.

Try using a goal-setting chart with sentence stems like:

• “When I feel something is too hard, I should…”

• “I feel ____ when I accomplish…”

• “I could solve this problem by…”

• “This week, I was proud of myself when…”

• “I don’t know ___ yet, but I…”

By reinforcing a growth mindset, you help multilingual learners build confidence in both their academic and personal development.

How do you support your multilingual learners with social-emotional needs?

Resources

• Classroom fidget pack⁠

• ⁠Social Skills Activities for Kids⁠

• ⁠Coloring book (to make copies)⁠

• ⁠Empathy workbook for kids⁠

References

• SEL for English Language Learners: What Educators Need to Know – Lydia Breiseth, Colorín Colorado, 2023. Link

• We Did A Great “Growth Mindset” Lesson With Our ELLs This Week – Here’s The Lesson Plan – Larry Ferlazzo, 2016. Link