Personal Dictionary: The ELLs or former ELLs in your classroom may have different vocabulary needs than the other students. American idioms may be confusing to them, and false cognates can be a problem. Newcomers to the United States will most likely acquire Tier I vocabulary and BICS much faster than Tier II or III vocabulary words / CALP.
To combat this, they can create their own personal dictionary (possibly in the back of their notebook) or a vocabulary journal that they can reference any time they want. Tier II words (complex words with multiple meanings or abstract definitions) and Tier III words (academic language, context-specific, subject-specific) may be among the most difficult words for the ELLs to acquire. Newcomers may include any Tier I words that they acquire (basic vocabulary, sight words). Have the student draw a picture and/or write a brief definition of the vocabulary word (in English and/or their home language) next to the word.
To combat this, they can create their own personal dictionary (possibly in the back of their notebook) or a vocabulary journal that they can reference any time they want. Tier II words (complex words with multiple meanings or abstract definitions) and Tier III words (academic language, context-specific, subject-specific) may be among the most difficult words for the ELLs to acquire. Newcomers may include any Tier I words that they acquire (basic vocabulary, sight words). Have the student draw a picture and/or write a brief definition of the vocabulary word (in English and/or their home language) next to the word.
Alternatively, ELLs can also create their own personal flashcards to record vocabulary. On the back of each index card, the scholar can write the word/idiom in a sentence and/or write the word in their first language.
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Here's a link to a free personal dictionary template: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ELL-Personal-Dictionary-233395