As
your school year starts, you realize that you have three ELLs who are newcomers
to the United States. Discuss how a comprehensive literacy program addresses
their needs, drawing attention to specific components of the framework that are
particularly relevant. Then discuss any additional scaffolding you would offer
to support these children's needs.
There
are so many aspects of a comprehensive literacy program that could benefit
English language learners. One component
that would be especially helpful to these students would be a read aloud. Many ELLs that are newcomers to the U.S. are
completely unaware of the English language, and probably overwhelmed. Read alouds are a great strategy to use to
show ELLs concepts of print. The
students see how books are held, read, and are given an example of what fluent
reading looks like. This is also a way
to engage all students including ELL students when they are comfortable. Guided and shared readings are also both
great components to help ELLs. In shared
reading, students can participate in predictable and familiar text. In guided reading, those students are
receiving group and individual attention and assistance at the same time. The students can learn from each other and
learn some strategies to help with areas that they are struggling with.
In
reference to writing, I would spend some time with these students first
determining what their starting points are.
During writing times in the classroom, I would be certain to involve my
ELL students in guided writing. When
they begin to draft words in order to create stories or any kind of writing,
they will likely need some reassurance.
Even as a proficient reader and writer, I want the words I write to be
spelled correctly and grammatically correct.
It will be important to build students up, especially as they write, and
provide them with some tools and strategies to write. I may spend some time working on phonemic
awareness with these students so that they have a starting point for most words
they will write.
I
also would want to spend plenty of time conferencing with these students. I think it would be important to have
frequent check ins with these students to see how they are growing and what
areas they can work some more on. Other
scaffolding I would provide in the classroom may be a partner or buddy. Many ELL students benefit from a peer that
acts as a type of mentor or trusted friend.
This could help the ELL student
to feel more comfortable in the classroom.
I love your incorporation of writing to help ELL students. It is such a beneficial thing for ELL students to become confident in writing because this will help them greatly when it comes to reading. While writing they will begin to be able recognize word chunks and word patterns that will be used when reading. I also like your idea of using shared reading, read alouds, and partner reads. When ELL students hear others reading they are better able to pick up on the language.
ReplyDeleteI also wrote about the importance of having conferences with these students. I think it is important for the students to know they are cared for and their teacher is invested in their growth and success in the classroom. I think this one-on-one time is also an excellent opportunity for positive reinforcement and building these students up. They need to know that they have the potential to become fluent readers and excel in reading and writing. I love the suggestions you have for helping these students and know that those students would do well in your class!
ReplyDeleteMackenzie,
ReplyDeleteI also agree that read-alouds are a very important aspect of the comprehensive literacy program. Since the ELL students are not from the United States, it is very important that the teacher model how to read in addition to having students engage in shared reading activities. The more language the ELL students are exposed to, the more comfortable and affluent the students will become. I also agree that assessing the students writing is important when placing them in flexible groups. Lastly, it is extremely important to group students together and provide them a buddy. Providing students with a sense of community and acceptance is the most important part of including them in your classroom. Great post!