How can teachers support English Language Learners (ELLs) in reading?

Incorporating culturally relevant texts and explicit vocabulary instruction is crucial for supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) in reading. Culturally relevant texts provide students with material that resonates with their backgrounds, experiences, and identities, making the reading experience more engaging and relatable. This relevance helps to foster a connection between the students and the texts, which can enhance comprehension and motivation.

Explicit vocabulary instruction is equally important, as ELLs often face challenges with unfamiliar words and concepts that are critical for understanding the text. By directly teaching vocabulary, providing definitions, examples, and opportunities for practice, teachers can help ELLs build a strong word bank that contributes to their overall reading proficiency. This approach not only assists in improving comprehension of current texts but also helps develop skills that will benefit students as they encounter new texts in the future.

By combining these strategies, educators create a supportive environment where ELLs can thrive, enhancing their reading skills and fostering a love for literature.