5 Important Elements of Reading Instruction for ELLs
English Language Learners (ELLs) have their native language as priority followed by the English language. This article elucidates about the ways in which we can incorporate an excellent reading ability among ELLs.
1. Awareness of Phonemes
Smallest units that are elements of a word or a group of words are known as phonemes. To make the idea clear, let us cite an example- the word 'stop' is made out of four phonemes, i.e., s, t, o, and p, while in the word 'shop,' the phonemes which go into the making are s, h, o and p. Therefore, three phonemes combine to form the word 'shop.' 41 phonemes exist in the English language. The identification and subsequent manipulation of the phonemes in spoken language is referred to as phonemic awareness.
Points to be considered in teaching phonemic awareness to ELLs
a. It is possible that phonemes are eliminated from the native language of English Language Learners. In such a case, the sentences must carry meaning so that the manipulated sounds seem acquainted. Further, to get a good idea about phonemes, ELLs should be aware of the English vocabulary words. An educator can come to the rescue once a student finds difficulty with phonemes in helping them to learn vocabularies, meaning, and articulation.
b. Research suggests that ELLs respond well to meaningful activities like language games and word walls, especially when the activities are consistent and particularly focussed on sounds and letters.
2. Phonics
Phonics is all about recognizing a relationship between sounds of spoken language and their corresponding letters.
Points to be considered in teaching phonics to ELLs
a. Students who don't have an understanding of the written form of their language may find it difficult to understand concepts and need to be taught in a proper manner.
b. English, Greek, and Chinese or Japanese language are ways apart in dealing with phonemes. In the former case, the alphabets correspond to their respective sounds, whereas a character represents a morpheme in the letter.
3. Vocabulary growth
Vocabulary development, as you know, has the utmost priority in reading comprehension. Similarly, the students need to stock up on their vocabulary as it determines whether they can associate the meaning with the words or not. Having a good knowledge of words is very important, especially for ELLs.
Points to be considered in teaching vocabulary to ELLs
a. One reason why vocabulary is essential is that students need to comprehend the meaning apart from reading phonetically.
b. Children can learn vocabulary in the direct form and through the medium of dialogues or reading books.
4. Fluent reading skills
Fluent reading skills include being able to read and understand the words simultaneously with accuracy and proper speed. It also refers to the ability to speak quickly and with ease.
The two ways to improve fluency are:
1. Reading out loud and clear with the assistance of teachers.
2. Reading silently independent of any guidance.
Points to be considered in teaching fluency to ELLs
a. The Centre for the Improvement of Early Reading Achievement (CIERA) suggests that ELLs should read books aloud with an expert. Besides, they should also note how books are read by others (Hiebert et Al., 1998).
5. Reading comprehension tips and tricks
Reading comprehension is the final step to add to the above four steps in promoting a great reading proficiency.
Points to be considered in teaching comprehension to ELLs
a. Reading comprehension is associated with phonemes, phonics, vocabulary and fluency, according to the NRC.
b. Hiebert et al. (1998) suggests participating in discussions with students about the possible meanings of interesting terms like 'sweet tooth' or 'crocodile tears'.
Conclusion
If followed accordingly, these five steps of reading instruction will enhance lesson and comprehension skills for English Language Learners to a great extent.