Which instructional strategy best supports English language learners in developing reading skills?

Incorporating visuals and graphic organizers is an effective instructional strategy for supporting English language learners (ELLs) in developing reading skills. This approach leverages visual aids, such as images, diagrams, and structured organizers, to provide context and clarify meaning, which is particularly beneficial for students who may struggle with language barriers. Visuals help make abstract concepts more concrete, allowing ELLs to build connections between words and their meanings, thereby enhancing comprehension.

Graphic organizers, specifically, can help students organize their thoughts, summarize information, and visually understand relationships between ideas. This multi-modal approach caters to different learning styles and language proficiencies, facilitating a more accessible learning environment where ELLs can engage with texts more effectively, participate in discussions, and improve their overall reading skills.

In contrast to this strategy, relying solely on written tests does not provide the necessary support for ELLs, as it may not accurately reflect their comprehension due to language difficulties. Limiting discussions to the native language restricts opportunities for language development in English, which is vital for their overall academic success. Similarly, assigning one-on-one reading without support does not incorporate scaffolding techniques that are essential for developing reading skills, as ELLs often benefit from guided instruction and collaborative learning experiences.