1. Learning takes time!
Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills (BICS) Cummins
1 to 2 years to learn social language.
Above the waterline, the part of the iceberg we can see, are Levels 1-(2), conversational or survival English.
Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) Cummins
5 to 7 years to master academic language.
Below the waterline, the big base of the iceberg we cannot see, are Levels (2)-4, Academic English
First Peoples Principles of Learning: Learning involves patience and time.
Strategy: use visuals

2. ELL Support is Important
Skills developed in one language transfer to a second language. Students with a large academic vocabulary L1 can more easily build vocabulary in their L2
Students with no schooling experience in their L1 take 7-10 years to reach grade level norms; some never do.
Students with 2-3 years of schooling experience in L1 take 5-6 years to reach grade level norms
Turn and talk: adaptation: in L1. How would you accommodate a student who doesn’t have someone who speaks their language?
April 17, 2012 y. Hoh, PhD. R. Psych.