In my book on teaching English Language Learners, I’ve written about the weekly homework I typically have my ELL students complete. Among other things, it usually includes their choosing words to add to their personal dictionary, completing a simple sheet demonstrating their use of reading strategies in a book of their choice, and writing a short journal sharing at least two good things that happened in their lives that week and one not-so-good thing (along with what they could have done to make it better). Students then share it each week in partners where they also use some academic language, and then some students share with the entire class.

It works well.

Rob Haines has recently written a guest post in Scott Thornbury’s blog sharing some useful guidelines for ELL homework, and he also links to another related article on the British Council website.

I’m adding this post to The Best Resources For Learning About Homework Issues.