Help! I have a newcomer! Now what?!
What is a newcomer?
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the term "newcomer student" refers to "K-12 students born outside the United States who have arrived in the United States in the last three years and who also are still learning English" (USDOE, 2023). It is a temporary designation. Newcomer students may include, but are not limited to, asylees, refugees, unaccompanied youth, undocumented youth, migratory students, and other immigrant children and youth identified by the local educational agencies.
Students who are newcomers have a special cultural and linguistic identity, along with many different cultural experiences and customs. These experiences can help them adapt and thrive in their new community. They have cross-linguistic skills and literacies that can support their learning of English.
Not sure what to do first? Start here.
Start here if you are an ML teacher.
Start here if you are a classroom teacher.
Multilingual learners -- and by extension, newcomers -- are culturally and linguistically diverse. They bring unique experiences to the learning process in U.S. schools.
Get to know your new student and their unique history.
A Newcomer Profile is a tool that can be used to keep track of your newcomer's information. This can be shared with all teachers who serve the student. Click the image to make a copy of this template in Canva.
Teachers who welcome newcomers do these key things to create a warm, supportive environment. (click to enlarge)
Nothing is more personal than a name. Check out these resources for supporting correct name pronounciation.
Incorporate scaffolds and appropriate accommodations.
Translation Tools for Newcomers (click to enlarge)
Worthy Writing Tips for Newcomers (click to enlarge)
Understanding Math (click to enlarge)
Newcomers CAN!
Making Content Comprehensible for Science
Making Content Comprehensible for Social Studies
Making Vocabulary Comprehensible
Making Reading Comprehensible
Making Assessments Comprehensible
Preparing Newcomers for ACCESS
Preparing for ACCESS: Listening
Preparing for ACCESS: Speaking
Preparing for ACCESS: Reading
Preparing for ACCESS: Writing
Explore other resources to help schools and districts prepare for successful newcomer transitions and beyond.
U.S. Department of Education Newcomer Tool Kit
This comprehensive report was produced by NCELA under a contract with the U.S. Department of Education. It contains information to help schools and districts meet the needs of newly-arrived students. Here are the chapters in the report:
Chapter 1: Who Are Our Newcomers?
Chapter 2: Welcoming Newcomers to a Safe and Thriving School Environment
Chapter 3: Providing High-Quality Instruction for Newcomer Students
Chapter 4: Supporting Newcomers' Social-Emotional Needs
Chapter 5: Establishing Partnerships with Families
Don't miss the classroom tool on page 8 for teaching students about the contributions of newcomers!
Check out these Multilingual Learner experts on social media for some tips and tricks. Click on their picture below to go to their website.
The All Access Classroom
Inspiring Young Learners
Tan Huynh
Here are some websites & resources for students to read in their home language. Click on the image to go to the website.
International Children's Library
Online books in languages other than English
Diffit
AI resource
Unite for Literacy
Online books in English and other languages
Newcomers 101: Professional Development
We hosted and recorded a virtual PD called Newcomers 101. This event provided practical information and strategies for newcomers to all teachers. Below is the recording and the slides from the presentation.
Newcomers 101 Event Presentation.pdf