How to Teach ESL Students to Write in English: Tips That Actually Work
Teaching ESL students to write in English is a huge part of our job, but sometimes it can feel like a challenge, right? It’s one thing to know they need these skills—it’s another to figure out how to get them there. I’m going to share some practical strategies to help your middle school ESL students become more confident writers. Let’s make writing a little less intimidating for them (and us)!
Common Challenges ESL Students Face with Writing
Depending on where your ESL students come from and their native language, their writing challenges might look a bit different. But some common struggles are grammar, vocabulary, and just getting their thoughts onto the page fluently. And let’s not forget—they’re kids just like their monolingual classmates. They have the same ups and downs with writing, plus the added layer of learning a new language.
One important thing to keep in mind is that writing skills take time—lots of it. Even native speakers take years to master essay writing. So, give your students (and yourself) some grace as they move from simple sentences to more complex paragraphs.
4 Strategies to Teach ESL Students to Write in English
1. Let Them Write Freely
I’ve noticed that finding time for students to write freely isn’t as common as it used to be. With so much focus on standardized tests, it’s easy to get caught up in practicing the test format. But I’ve learned that sometimes, the best thing we can do is just let them write—no pressure, no grading on grammar. Just get the words out.
Here are a few ways to make that happen:
Bell Ringers: Give students real-world prompts that they can connect with. Keep them open-ended and give them plenty of time to write. Bonus points if you have them share what they wrote!
Journaling: Encourage your students to keep a personal journal. Let them write about whatever they want—no worrying about grammar or structure, just free expression.
Back-and-Forth Journaling: This one’s a bit more time-consuming, but it’s totally worth it. Write a short note to your students, and have them write back. It’s like pen pals but in your own classroom. You’ll get to know them better and build trust while they practice writing.
💡 Pro Tip: Check out these Writing Activities with Graphic Organizers to help your students organize their thoughts when they’re ready to start structuring their writing.
2. Use Graphic Organizers to Sort Out Thoughts
Graphic organizers are lifesavers, especially for ESL students. They help students lay out their ideas in a way that makes sense and keeps them focused on the topic. Sometimes, our students have great ideas, but they’re all tangled up in their heads. A good organizer helps them sort through the mess and pull out the best parts.
Think of it as giving them a roadmap for their thoughts. Once it’s all down on paper, they can see what they’re working with and start to put it together in a way that makes sense.
3. Teach Grammar and Sentence Structure in Context
I know grammar isn’t always the most fun thing to teach, and it often gets pushed aside because of time constraints. But let’s face it: if we don’t teach it, our students won’t magically learn it. They need examples, practice, and most importantly, context.
Here are some ways to sneak grammar lessons into your writing instruction:
Use Novels or Reading Passages: Pull sentences directly from whatever you’re reading in class and break them down together.
Their Own Writing: This is my favorite! Take a piece of their writing (anonymously, of course) and go through it as a class. Let them point out what could be improved. It’s powerful when they see their own words come to life through revision.
4. Offer Writing Prompts That Fit ESL Students’ Needs
While it’s important to offer writing prompts similar to those given to native English speakers, sometimes a little tweak goes a long way. Give your ESL students options that make sense for their level and interests. Here are a few ideas:
Descriptive Writing: Use pictures of everyday objects or places they know to help them build vocabulary.
Narrative Writing: Ask them to write about their own experiences—favorite memories, the best day ever, or even a time they felt proud.
Persuasive Writing: Choose prompts that relate to their world. Make it something they can really have an opinion on.
Expository Writing: Make sure they understand the topic well enough to write about it, or choose something you’ve covered in detail.
Tips to Keep in Mind
Teaching ESL students to write is like teaching any student—it just requires a little extra patience, empathy, and flexibility. They’ve got the same potential as their monolingual peers; they just need more time and a bit more guidance to get there. Keep your expectations high, but also make sure your instructions are clear and easy to follow.
In a Nutshell
Teaching writing to ESL students is all about giving them space to grow, making writing feel accessible, and not expecting perfection right away. Let them write without stressing over the rules, then work on refining their skills little by little. Most importantly, never give up on your students—they’re capable of amazing things with the right support and encouragement.
Need simple writing prompts for your ESL students?
Download these FREE digital journal prompts with real pictures that’ll get your students writing about topics they know and care about. You’ll be amazed at how much they open up when they’re given the chance to just write!
