Describe the values and strategies you would adopt to provide an effective learning environment for primary school students who speak ESL.

Given that it is unlikely that any classroom will include the teacher and all students belonging to the same cultural heritage and linguistic background, it is important that every teacher, from the outset of their practice, be aware of the impact differences of language use will create for their learners. "If one individual or group is unable to understand the communication systems in place in the classroom, that individual or group quickly becomes alienated and …

…these issues come together to affect the learning environment that is so crucial to success within an English program for students who speak English as a second language. Chapter one of Green and Campbell (2003, 1-16) reminds us to be aware of the assumptions, practices and resources that dominate our classrooms and to be mindful that all presentations and activities are as inclusive as possible, and to examine the purposes behind each choice we make there.