5 Approaches to Engage Multilingual Learners of English in Writing

Nowadays, a typical picture of a classroom reveals a multicultural space with learners who speak several languages. Multilingual learners of English (MLEs) sometimes struggle with the target language and, particularly, writing — English grammar, syntax, spelling, and pronunciation can be differ significantly from their home language, and the rules are often inconsistent. In addition, a student’s past academic experiences and their literacy level in their home language will affect their writing in English. Helping MLEs enjoy writing is an opportunity to encourage creativity and help them build connections with their roots by integrating teaching tasks that resemble their background context.

Previously I wrote about 15 culturally relevant writing practices for MLEs that teachers can use in their classroom. Here, I have listed some key approaches to effectively engaging MLEs in writing.

1. Culturally Responsive Teaching

What could be better than creating a bridge between the learners’ home and the classroom? This is possible by embracing a culturally responsive approach where teachers integrate the learners' culture into the classroom. Making learning contextual is reinforced by activating the learners’ previous knowledge and emphasizing writing prompts that celebrate the learners’ background and linguistic diversity.

Sample Activity
Have students write a poem about their cultural identity. This student-centered writing task allows learners to include cultural elements in their writing, such as traditions and personal experiences. They can also incorporate words or phrases from their home language to make their poem more connected to their identity.

2. Differentiated Instruction

One of the most challenging tasks in a diverse classroom is to include differentiated instruction to support MLEs’ writing. Teachers need to tackle the learners’ needs and interests by providing flexible options and breaking down assignments into manageable steps. Here, graphic organizers, visual aids, and sentence starters are essential to help students develop their writing output. Also, you can model and guide the writing process and scaffold writing tasks by offering texts at different reading levels.

Sample Activity
A composition assignment becomes a tiered assignments(tasks that are presented at different levels of complexity). One group of learners is required to include references from a website, others can use a graphic organizer, and others can use their home language if needed.

3. Peer Collaboration

Integrating peer collaboration in writing workshops is also key to support MLEs’ writing. In this way, learners can develop their skills by working on their drafts and receiving valuable feedback on their revisions. Working together in these workshops help MLEs learn from their peers, share their work in a protected environment, and build mutual support. This will also create a positive classroom atmosphere.

Sample Activity
In a peer review session, learners exchange drafts of their compositions before submitting the final product. Each participant gives constructive feedback by focusing on key aspects — namely, content, organization, and language use.

4. Authentic Writing Experiences

Incorporating real-world writing tasks that make sense and connect learners with their own origins makes writing more relevant and motivating for them. Moreover, incorporating activities like blogs, cards, recipes, and journals on topics that matter to them will boost their skills by helping learners write for different audiences. This will encourage them to consider other perspectives and purposes in their writing and help them appreciate the impact their words can have on others.

Sample Activity
Students write a letter to a local official. In this task, learners see the real use of writing and can connect their own problems or situations with the task, in addition to learning about register (level of formality). Learners will also reflect on the importance of their voice, and they will value being part of their community.

5. Building Confidence and Motivation

Provide pedagogical activities that help students set realistic writing goals; as they progress and achieve, you can recognize and celebrate their growth. This combination of encouragement and goal setting not only expands learners’ writing skills but also promotes a positive attitude, making writing a more rewarding experience.

Sample Activity
Organize a writer’s ceremony where learners read their work aloud to the class, parents, and community members, and receive a certificate of appreciation. The celebration of writing achievements is a significant activity for MLEs as they feel they efforts and accomplishments are recognized.

The integration of these five approaches creates a supportive environment where MLEs can develop their writing skills and express their voices. Thus, writing can become a meaningful and enjoyable part of their learning process, where they not only improve their skills but also gain confidence in their ability to communicate in English and honor their multilingual identities.