A student who speaks a different language asks for help understanding instructions. What should you do?

A student who speaks a different language asks for help understanding instructions. What should you do?

• A. Speak slowly in English and hope they understand.
• B. Use simple phrases, gestures, and ask for help from staff or translators per school policy.
• C. Tell the student to learn English quickly.
• D. Ignore the request.

Answer: (B)

Supporting a student who speaks a different language means communicating in ways that are easy to understand and using available language help. Use simple phrases, break instructions into small steps, and pause to check that they grasp each part. Pair words with gestures, demonstrations, and visuals to convey meaning beyond what is spoken. When possible, involve staff or translators to assist, following school policy. This approach helps the student participate and follow directions, and it avoids relying on slow English alone or telling them to learn English quickly, or ignoring their request.

Supporting a student who speaks a different language means communicating in ways that are easy to understand and using available language help. Use simple phrases, break instructions into small steps, and pause to check that they grasp each part. Pair words with gestures, demonstrations, and visuals to convey meaning beyond what is spoken. When possible, involve staff or translators to assist, following school policy. This approach helps the student participate and follow directions, and it avoids relying on slow English alone or telling them to learn English quickly, or ignoring their request.