How can teachers support ELLs in developing reading skills?

Using guided reading and explicit teaching strategies is essential for supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) in developing their reading skills because these approaches provide structured assistance and targeted instruction tailored to their specific needs. Guided reading allows teachers to work closely with small groups of students, enabling them to focus on strategies such as decoding, comprehension, and fluency aligned with the learners’ current levels. This individualized attention helps ELLs navigate texts more effectively and gradually fosters confidence and independent reading skills.

Explicit teaching strategies also play a crucial role by breaking down complex concepts into manageable parts. For instance, this could involve directly teaching vocabulary, text structures, and comprehension strategies, ensuring that ELLs develop a solid foundation upon which to build their reading abilities. These methodologies create an environment where learners feel supported as they engage with texts and practice reading, leading to improved outcomes in literacy development.