Allow ELLs, especially newcomers, to write their short responses and essays in a mix of English and their home language (if they can write in their L1).  Tell them to write as much as they can in English, and if they don’t know a word in English, try to write it in their home language.  If the ELLs cannot write in English yet, have them write in their first language, and as they learn English, have them integrate the words that they learn: writing assignments, social studies, science, etc.

Younger students or newcomers may find it easier to draw their responses instead of writing if they are unable to write at the present time. Drawing a picture and labeling it with new vocabulary words is a great way for ELLs to start using their new language.