3 Strategies for EL Literacy Instruction

In today's diverse classrooms, teachers face the challenge of meeting the needs of all students, including those of English Learners (ELs). One effective approach is to leverage students’ existing knowledge to facilitate the acquisition of English literacy skills.

Teachers can create a supportive and inclusive learning environment by:

• Incorporating Visuals alongside target vocabulary
• Considering Shared Traits between the languages
• Frontloading Concepts before lessons

Embracing differentiated instruction and providing targeted supports will empower English Learner students to excel in their English language literacy journey.

1. Use of Visuals

Visual aids are invaluable tools in literacy instruction, especially for ELs. They bridge gaps between languages and help students grasp concepts more easily. One immediate strategy teachers can implement in their classrooms is to frontload vocabulary with visual supports. When introducing new words and new concepts, consider incorporating a visual to provide context and meaning. Consistently using these during visuals English lessons helps students connect their oral and academic language development.

2. Considering Shared Traits

Recognizing similarities between Spanish and English has proven to be highly effective in EL literacy instruction. If a student has already been exposed to a shared academic concept in Spanish, that understanding can simplify the learning process and boost confidence when applying the concept in English. Celebrate these shared elements and highlight them when applicable to help students leverage their prior knowledge and approach new concepts confidently.

3. Frontloading

Frontloading involves highlighting and reviewing key learning points before a lesson begins. This can be done by using visuals and emphasizing key vocabulary or terms that will be covered. If possible, explain key concepts in the student’s native language before the English lesson. Frontloading is highly impactful because it creates meaning and context for background knowledge that may otherwise be absent for English learners. Contextualize learning by presenting new vocabulary within meaningful contexts, using real-life scenarios, pictures, or short sentences to illustrate word usage.

Conclusion

At Really Great Reading, we understand that “one size does not fit all” when it comes to the diverse needs of English learner students. With varying languages and English proficiency levels, purposeful differentiation is essential to meet each student’s individual needs. Our strategies and products are thoughtfully designed to consider these factors, honoring existing skill sets and languages while incorporating best practices for foundational literacy instruction in English.

Infographic: Top 3 Strategies for EL Literacy Instruction

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