Encourage students to continue speaking in their native language. Ask parents to help by creating numerous opportunities for the child to communicate on his native language. For example, the parents should read books and other materials in their own language daily. They can also have a regular conversation with their child in the native language about a reading assignment, ask the child to explain a math problem, or talk about the difference between living and non-living things in science.
Use concepts already acquired in the native language to make learning the new language easier. For example, a child that understands the concept of addition, subtraction, multiplication or addition in Spanish will learn the correct words and labels in English and transfer that knowledge.
Use contextual clues to teach second language learners. You can use illustrations, songs, visuals and role-playing to reinforce your instructions. For example, when teaching about the life cycle of a butterfly, you can have an illustration of each stage of its evolution from caterpillar to butterfly. Have the students look at the illustration and ask questions to make sure they understand.
Reduce the contextual materials and gradually introduce more challenging cognitive concepts. Here, you can read a book or explain a historical fact without any cues, and the students will have to listen and rely on the language itself to comprehend what is being taught.
Use the references of the child's first culture in the lesson. The purpose is to show appreciation for the student's first language and culture. You should also incorporate the child's first culture in the different activities you use to reinforce your teachings.