How to Support Spanish-Speaking ELL Students in Class

By Jairo Pérez

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November 13, 2025

Contents

Introduction

Why Dual Language and Spanish Immersion Programs Matter

What Happens in a Spanish Immersion Program?

Helping Heritage Spanish-Speaking Students

Classroom Strategies for Spanish-Speaking ELLs

Best Practices for Schools and Teachers

Conclusion: A Better Future for All Learners

Introduction

In today’s classrooms, many students speak Spanish as their first language. These Spanish-speaking English Language Learners (ELLs) need extra support to succeed in school. With the right strategies, teachers can help these students learn English, keep up in other subjects, and feel included in class.

This guide explains how Spanish immersion programs and bilingual education can help. It also shares simple strategies for supporting Spanish-speaking ELL students in the classroom.

Why Dual Language and Spanish Immersion Programs Matter

Dual language programs and Spanish immersion programs teach students in both English and Spanish. These programs help students become bilingual while also doing well in subjects like math, science, and reading.

1. Better Thinking Skills

Students who learn in two languages often become better problem solvers. They can switch between languages, which helps their brains grow stronger.

2. Higher Test Scores

Research shows that ELL students in bilingual programs do better on tests than those in English-only programs.

3. More Cultural Understanding

Students in dual language programs learn about different cultures. This helps them become kinder, more open-minded, and ready to live in a diverse world.

What Happens in a Spanish Immersion Program?

In Spanish immersion programs, students are taught mostly in Spanish, especially in the early grades. English is added slowly over time. These programs are great for both native English speakers and native Spanish ELLs.

1. Faster Language Learning

Students in immersion programs learn Spanish quickly because they hear and use it every day. They don’t just study vocabulary and grammar. They use Spanish to learn subjects like math, science, and social studies. This real-world practice helps them think in Spanish and become confident speakers much faster than in regular language classes.

2. Good School Performance

A study in California showed that students in Spanish immersion programs performed better on tests. This was compared to students in regular programs. Learning in two languages challenges the brain in a positive way, which improves focus, memory, and problem-solving skills. As a result, immersion students often score higher in subjects like reading and math.

3. Better Communication

Immersion helps students talk to people from other cultures. This builds strong communication skills and global understanding. By speaking Spanish and learning about other ways of life, students become more open-minded and respectful. These skills are useful not just in school, but also in future jobs and everyday life.

Helping Heritage Spanish-Speaking Students

Some ELL students already speak Spanish at home. These heritage students need support to keep their home language strong while learning English. Many schools are expanding their heritage language programs to meet the needs of native Spanish speakers.

1. Show Cultural Respect

Use stories, history, and traditions from Spanish-speaking cultures in lessons. This helps students feel proud of who they are. Incorporating music, holidays, and cultural practices into classroom discussions creates a welcoming environment. It shows Spanish-speaking ELL students that their backgrounds are valued, which boosts engagement and confidence in learning.

2. Use Bilingual Materials

Provide books and worksheets in both English and Spanish. Bilingual support for ELLs helps them understand the content better. Having access to both languages allows students to make connections between what they know and what they are learning. It also helps prevent frustration and supports academic progress in subjects beyond just language arts. Spanish proficiency testing and placement tools can help tailor instruction for ELL students, ensuring each learner gets the right level of challenge and support.

3. Involve Families

Families are important in education. Invite them to school events, and give them tools to help their children learn at home. When schools build strong relationships with families, students benefit both socially and academically. Sending home bilingual newsletters, holding parent-teacher meetings in Spanish, and sharing learning tips can help parents feel included. This also empowers them to support their children.

Classroom Strategies for Spanish-Speaking ELLs

Teachers can use many simple strategies to support Spanish-speaking ELL students in class. Here are some helpful ideas:

1. Use Scaffolding

Scaffolding means giving students just enough help to understand something. For example, use pictures, sentence starters, or word walls to support learning.

2. Speak Slowly and Clearly

This helps English learners follow along. Repeat important words and use gestures or visuals when possible.

3. Pair Students for Learning

Pair ELL students with classmates who can help them learn new words and ideas. Group work also helps students feel more confident.

4. Provide Native Language Support

Allow students to use Spanish when needed, especially when learning new concepts. This support helps students feel safe and understood.

5. Celebrate All Languages

Encourage all students to share words or phrases from their home languages. This builds respect and interest in different cultures.

Best Practices for Schools and Teachers

1. Train Teachers Often

Ongoing teacher training helps educators learn new ways to teach ELL students. They can explore better strategies for Spanish-speaking ELL support.

2. Work Together

When mainstream teachers and bilingual teachers plan lessons together, students benefit from more focused help.

3. Find Resources

Schools need funding and materials to run strong bilingual programs. Leaders should look for grants and community support.

Support from Policies and Real Examples

1. Learn from Other Schools

In Portland, Oregon, a dual language program has been very successful. The secret? Family involvement and careful planning.

2. Follow the Law

State and national policies support bilingual education. These laws help schools give ELL students the support they need.

Conclusion: A Better Future for All Learners

Helping native Spanish ELLs and all English learners takes time and teamwork. With the right strategies, support, and bilingual programs, students can do well in school and in life. Teachers, families, and school leaders all play a role in creating welcoming classrooms.

Supporting Spanish-speaking ELL students helps create a stronger and more inclusive education for all. This can be done through Spanish immersion, dual language learning, or daily classroom strategies.

Jairo Pérez

Academic Team

Jairo Pérez is the Head of Academics at Comligo. Originally from Mexico, he has extensive experience teaching Spanish as a second language and in the fields of Human and Artistic Sciences. Passionate about language, culture, and education, he enjoys exploring different cultures, visiting museums, and embracing nature.