Inclusive Language Tips for English Tutors

When you’re trying to help someone learn English, it’s important to help them feel encouraged on their language journey. As a tutor, that means constructing lessons that are easy to follow and accessible for all types of learners.

Read on to discover 12 inclusive language tips that can help English tutors build effective lessons!

1. Stick with Short and Clear Language

Overly complex sentences can make instructions harder to comprehend in any situation. And especially when you’re trying to help learners comprehend the English language, short instructions are essential. As a teacher, you’ll help learners feel more engaged as they’re digesting new words.

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2. Break Up Big Tasks

Too many big lessons or assignments can be overwhelming. The better option is to break up those lessons into bite-sized pieces. Learners will feel like they can tackle the objective in front of them more easily. Use bold headers or numbers to help create visual clarity, and clearly communicate objects for each learning session.

3. Integrate Visuals into Lessons

Photographs, illustrations, and charts can help make concepts clearer for learners. Make sure you’re weaving visuals into your lessons and assignments to help visual learners.

4. Speak Slowly

If you speak too quickly, learners may become disengaged. It’s critical to slow down and speak clearly with every word. Show how you are moving your mouth to help guide learners toward proper pronunciation. Demonstrate how to say a word and have learners try to replicate your motions. Repeat this exercise using spoken words or recordings.

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5. Avoid Too Much Slang

Loading too many slang terms into your lessons or communication can make things confusing for learners. For instance, phrases like “pass with flying colors” or “draw a blank” won’t convey the concept you have in mind clearly. Ultimately, you’ll help learners speak more concisely with more direct statements.

6. Choose Preferred Terms and Symbols

You want your learners to feel respected, so it’s important to understand what your learner prefers or what their community’s norms are. How do they prefer to be addressed? This question is especially important when talking about autism. Learning about the infinity sign for autism awareness can help you use respectful language.

7. Keep Your Lesson Flow Consistent

Maintaining predictability can strengthen your lessons and help learners feel more comfortable. Start each lesson with the same steps. And consider mapping out lessons on paper so learners know what to expect and feel confident as they begin a session.

8. Offer Different Response Options

While speaking might seem like the most natural way to communicate, some learners may prefer writing or pointing. Offer different options to help learners find a comfortable way to demonstrate their understanding of language concepts.

9. Ask for Feedback

You’ll create a more effective experience by soliciting feedback from learners. Some learners may need more structure, while others may prefer a softer approach to prompts.

10. Maintain Simple Materials

Too many screens or loud noises can be distracting for learners. Avoid stuffing too much content into your visuals, and maintain a calm learning environment. Additionally, it can be helpful to take small breaks between lessons.

11. Use Captions

Captions and transcripts can be an excellent addition to lessons. Some learners may absorb information more effectively when they can read it. And if an environment becomes noisy, seeing the text can ensure learners can access content.

12. Prioritize Inclusivity in Your Visuals

Choose visuals that show a range of cultures, ages, skin tones, and body sizes. Learners will be better able to connect with the work they’re doing.

Be Thoughtful with Your Wording

You don’t have to be perfect when it comes to using inclusive language. Making a thoughtful effort to tailor lessons and language to your learner’s needs can go a long way. You’ll foster a better learning environment where learners feel supported and confident.