Sheltered Instruction Strategies

Sheltered instruction is an approach to teaching English language learners which integrates language and content instruction. The dual goals of sheltered instruction are: to provide access to mainstream, grade-level content, and to promote the development of English language proficiency. Sheltered instruction techniques were designed to be used by all students; however teachers must be sensitive to how languages are learned in order for them to be affective. Sheltered instruction differs from the traditional ESL classroom by focusing on subject mastery instead of focusing on English development. Sheltered instruction draws from methods and strategies advocated for both second language learners and mainstream classroom, instead of pullout ESL classes. Yet it still focuses on emphasizing the need to teach the students met cognition and content area terminology. In order for sheltered instruction to work effectively in the classroom, the teachers must first be prepared to administer the lesson. Many pre-service teacher programs are working to equip teachers with the skills they need to be successful. Beginning with pre-service teachers achieving a strong foundation of cultural psychology, language theory and acquisition as well as certified content knowledge in their undergraduate major, the courses incorporate multiple field experiences as well as pedagogical methods and cultural diversity instruction. Since the basis of sheltered instruction is to provide a framework for language development then one of the simplest ways is to follow a set format of instruction. It is vitally important the teacher designs his/her lessons to clearly define language and content as well as make the activity meaningful through the linkage to past knowledge and present and supplemental materials. Sheltered instruction is a great step in