Instructional Playbook

Supports for Newcomers

Welcoming a newcomer student into your classroom is full of anticipation, some uncertainty, but also a world of exciting and endless possibilities. Your newcomer student is full of potential. They bring fresh perspectives, unique cultural experiences, and a new energy to your classroom that can enrich the learning environment for everyone. Think of a newcomer arrival as an opportunity to watch someone blossom as they adapt to their new surroundings, jand learning every day. Just like taking on a new endeavor or stepping into the unknown,

there is a learning curve, but it’s one filled with curiosity and discovery. Your newcomer student will be eager to soak up knowledge, and with support, they remarkable strides in language acquisition and academic growth. The experience can also be rewarding for you as an educator, as you witness their milestones—firsts in understanding, communication, and confidence. Embrace the journey with patience and positivity, and you’ll find that the process of guiding a newcomer student is not just about helping them adapt, but also about celebrating the diversity and vitality they bring to your classroom and school community.

Newcomers are any foreign-born students and their families who have recently arrived in the United States within the last 6-12 months

WHEN NEWCOMERS ARRIVE ... Initiate your school’s onboarding plan. Create a welcoming environment. Learn how to pronounce their names. Greet them at the door. Help them feel a part of the community. Get to know them. Provide a handout of the day’s learning. Make sure they understand their daily schedule, classroom and school expectations, and routines. Plan activities that encourage social interaction regardless of their language level. Connect with their families. Follow the Newcomer Checklist on the following pages for more tips.