How to quickly assess or test ESL / ELL students

Are you looking for some quick assessments to give your ESL or ELL students during the first few days of school? Read on for some suggestions on how to do a quick assessment with English Language Learners.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. *Letters*
   Show students a copy the lower case and upper case alphabet. Ask students to tell you the letter names and letter sounds for each letter.

2. *Counting*
   Using counters, bingo chips, small blocks, beans or noodles ask students to count by 1's up to whatever number that is appropriate for his or her grade level.
   
   In addition to this show students different numbers to see if they can "name" the numbers.

3. *Speaking*
   Show students "real" pictures or pictures from a non-fiction book that shows "action" or "interaction". Ask student "What is happening?" or "What is _____ doing?"

4. *Listening Comprehension*
   Ask students a number of different questions. For example
   
   "What is your name?"
   "Where are you from?"
   "How old are you?"
   "Do you have any brothers or sisters?"
   
   Give various commands such as
   "stand up"
   "jump"
   "clap"
   "open your eyes"
   "close your eyes"
   "touch your nose"
   
   
   Were students able to respond to your questions and commands?

5. *Reading and Writing*
   Ask students to write a quick passage and read a short text (if age appropriate)

Tips & Warnings

• The above assessments are meant for lower elementary.

[sarintin]

on 10/15/2009 Your school was supposed to accept any student who came to their doors back in the 1960s. Where does Jolocol work?

[bailey4]

on 6/19/2009 Great tips for how to quickly assess ESL/ELL Students. 5*

[Jolocol]

on 6/11/2009 Excellent! I have set this for favorites. My school was just given the right to accept foreign students. This is so short, it could be a lifesaver.