An English Language Learner (ELL) struggles to comprehend grade-level texts, particularly in understanding figurative language. What is the best strategy to support this student's comprehension?

Supporting an English Language Learner's comprehension of figurative language specifically requires targeted strategies that directly address their challenges with understanding idioms and metaphors often found in grade-level texts. Explicitly teaching and discussing common idioms and metaphors used in the text allows the student to grasp not only the literal meanings of phrases but also the contextual meanings that are crucial for comprehension.

This strategy involves discussing these figures of speech in detail and providing relevant examples that relate to the student's own experiences or contexts. By doing so, the learner can better understand how these expressions are used in language, which is particularly important for ELL students who may not be familiar with cultural references or nuances in the language. This explicit instruction equips students with tools they need to decode the meanings of figurative language independently when they encounter it in future readings.

Providing simpler texts might aid in general comprehension of language structures, but it doesn’t help with the specific hurdle of figurative language. Pairing the student with a native speaker might offer some social support, but it won't guarantee comprehension of complex language features. Encouraging rereading may improve understanding, but without first addressing the underlying issues related to figurative language, it could lead to frustration rather than clarity.