TIPS FOR DEVELOPING

THE LITERACY SKILLS

OF ELLS
Understand L1 literacy skills
1
Understand that learners draw on their prior literate socialization
to learn the second language

Keep track of:

oral recitation of texts, reading and writing
how a learner recognizes differences between oral and written language
sound/symbol correspondences
Structural features of the learner's Ll

2 Give explicit instruction/expectations

English language learners at all levels of English proficiency
and literacy will benefit from
explicit instruction

Students benefit from explicit and direct instructions. When they are aware of what
is expected they are more successful in their learning.

3 Use various components of reading

Take 5: (1) get ready, (2) read, (3) reread, (4) respond, and
(5) react.

1) Get Ready 3) Reread

Review previous work Learning logs
Activate schemata Skim
Develop vocabulary Graphic Organizers
Make predictions KWL Chart
Question
Anticipation guide 4) Respond
Graphic organizer Learning Logs
Survey text Response Journals

2) Read 5) React
Read with a focus Shared responses
Understand main idea Class discussions

Incorporate reading strategies

4
Actions that readers select and control to achieve desired goals
or objectives

Pre-reading After Reading

Skim the text for general ideas. Retell the story
Read the introduction and conclusion. Relate to experiences
Do semantic mapping. Respond to text

During-Reading Strategies
Predict the main idea of each paragraph.
Skip unknown words; guess meaning from context.
Draw pictures to demonstrate what you understood.

Other Strategies
Read Alouds Echo Reading
Morning message Guided Reading
Silent Reading

Foster critical thinking

5
Understanding reading also involves the ability to interpret
critically.

Students need to be taught interpret the text and make meaning in their own text
through questioning and using word and visual ques.

Other things to Consider...

Simplifying language/formats for instruction and gradually incorporating more content-appropriate
vocabulary
Include cooperative and collaborative activities
Choose objectives that will allow students with different levels of proficiency to display their learning
Providing choices and incorporate prior knowledge
Use visuals

Alexis Khoshaba