Module 1: Newcomer Curriculum
Newcomers Face Special Challenges
Newcomer students in middle school or high school face challenges beyond learning a new language. This includes navigating an unfamiliar school environment and making social connections.
ELD/ESOL educators have their own challenges. Newcomers enter classrooms with varying degrees of English competency. Some may be refugee students who are not fully literate in their L1 due to limited or interrupted formal education.
For newcomers to thrive, both social-emotional and English language acquisition needs must be met. The Language Tree Online Newcomer program encompasses acculturation support to boost confidence together with highly scaffolded language instruction to build critical language skills and vocabulary.
Video: Watch former newcomer students talk about their school experiences.
Language Tree Online for Newcomers
Newcomers Program Components
The Newcomers program is a part of the Language Tree Online ELD 1 curriculum. It introduces essential English language skills and supports newcomer acculturation.
The three components of the program — American School Culture, Functional Vocabulary Builders, and standards-based Newcomer Access lessons — include videos, interactive activities, and teacher-led instructional resources. Plus, we equip teachers with the professional development and tools needed to work effectively with their newcomer students.
American School Culture
A favorite of both students and teachers is our unique American School Culture component. Designed to help newcomer English learners feel more confident, it features student peers on video sharing insights on:
- Behavioral expectations in the classroom
- Academic and counseling resources available
- Social activities they can participate in to make new friends
- Fun cultural topics such as popular traditions and holidays celebrated in the U.S.
Functional Vocabulary Builders
Learning functional vocabulary is an important ongoing process for newcomers. Unfortunately, there isn't always enough time in a class period for focused vocabulary building. Using the Functional Vocabulary Builder unit, newcomer students can independently learn, hear, and practice vocabulary needed for academic and after-school life.
Standards-Based
Language Lessons
Highly scaffolded teacher-led lessons help newcomers with limited English competency (e.g., SIFE/SLIFE) access critical language skills and functions.
This component serves as a precursor to ELD Level 1. The Language Tree Online Newcomer program is ideal for use in Newcomer Pathways and other newcomer programs that assist with transition.
