5 Strategies to Build Trust and Confidence with English Language Learners

As a new school year begins, teachers everywhere are prepping their lesson plans, organizing supplies, and setting goals. But for educators working with English Language Learners (ELLs), there’s one powerful and often overlooked tool that can change the trajectory of the year: intentional connection.

In Episode 186 of the Equipping ELLs podcast, Beth Vaucher emphasizes the importance of creating a classroom environment where every ELL student feels seen, safe, and valued—starting on day one. While academic readiness is essential, the emotional and cultural groundwork we lay in those early days is even more crucial for long-term success.

So, what does intentional connection really mean?

Beth breaks it down into five simple yet transformative strategies:

Personalize Your Greetings: Learning and correctly pronouncing students’ names sends a powerful message: “You matter.” Beth encourages teachers to record names and practice pronunciation. It’s a small act with massive impact, especially when students may not understand anything else yet in English.
Give Choice in Sharing: Not all students are ready—or willing—to share their personal stories immediately. Instead of forcing cultural introductions, Beth suggests using visual or movement-based activities, like “Would You Rather” games, that allow engagement without pressure.
Use Culturally Relevant Content:Representation matters. Beth recommends using visuals, books, and classroom materials that reflect the backgrounds of your students. Something as simple as a coloring page showing a student wearing a hijab can help ELLs feel a sense of belonging.
Establish Routines That Build Trust: Predictability can be comforting. Beth explains how simple daily routines—like a morning greeting or consistent classroom rituals—help ELLs feel safe and confident, removing the uncertainty that often causes anxiety.
Celebrate Multilingualism: Encouraging students to share their native language fosters pride and creates an inclusive classroom culture. Beth also discusses the power of having bilingual books and classroom labels in multiple languages to promote visibility and respect.

Throughout the episode, Beth reminds educators that academic growth stems from emotional safety. By creating a welcoming environment rooted in trust, teachers empower students to engage, participate, and ultimately thrive.

For those looking to go deeper, the episode includes links to free multilingual labels, access to a webinar on setting up routines, and tips on how to extend a culture of inclusivity beyond the classroom.

Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a seasoned ELL advocate, this episode is a timely reminder that relationships are at the heart of learning. Listen now, share with your colleagues, and take one intentional step toward making your classroom a place where every ELL feels seen, valued, and confident.

Resources:

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More about Equipping ELLs:

We all know that teaching isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be this hard. Equipping ELLs is a podcast for both ESL specialists and homeroom teachers who are looking for effective and engaging ways to support their English Language Learners without adding to their endless to-do list. Tune in each week to hear tips, strategies, and inspirational stories that will empower you to better reach your ELL students, equip them with life-long skills, and strengthen relationships with colleagues and parents.

Your host, Beth Vaucher, is the founder of Inspiring Young Learners. She is an ESL certified homeroom teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching in the US and internationally. Her background of M.Ed in ESL and Curriculum and Instruction combined with her experience has led her to develop a bestselling newcomer curriculum that has sold in over 90 countries around the globe. She brings a different perspective to teaching ELLs from her years teaching and living abroad and working with ELLs from around the world. You will walk away from each episode with the ideas and tools you need to transform your experience as a teacher and cultivate a thrivingand welcoming environment for your ELL students.