# data[].attributes.body
Phonology is the study of the sound systems of a language, including how sounds function and are organized.

# data[].attributes.body
Understanding phonology helps English Language Learners recognize and produce English sounds that may not exist in their native language. This awareness supports accurate pronunciation, listening comprehension, and decoding skills. All of these skills are foundational to reading and oral language development.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Minimal Pairs Practice

1. Students distinguish between similar-sounding words like "ship" versus "sheep".

2. Differentiation: Beginners can use pictures and listen before speaking. Advanced learners can practice in dialogues.

2. Sound Bingo

1. A listening game where students mark the correct word or sound they hear.

2. Differentiation: Provide audio support and word banks for lower-level students. Ask higher-level students to call out the words.

3. Phoneme Sorting

1. Students sort words by beginning, middle, or ending sounds.

2. Differentiation: Use visual supports and fewer categories for newcomers. Add multisyllabic words for advanced learners.

4. Choral Reading with Emphasis on Pronunciation

1. Group reading that focuses on rhythm, stress, and intonation.

2. Differentiation: Pair students strategically for modeling. Provide audio recordings for independent practice.

# data[].attributes.body
Sound Hunt

Students listen for specific sounds in English words around the house or in media (TV, songs, etc.) and list examples.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Phonological Awareness in the Classroom - TeachHUB

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Phonological awareness is a vital part of learning to read, so fostering it in your class is essential. Learn about phonological awareness in the classroom.

# data[].attributes.body
The previous activity builds awareness of English sounds in real-life settings. For early proficiency learners, families can focus on one sound at a time with objects at home. Intermediate to advanced learners can listen to conversations or media and categorize words by sounds they recognize.

# data[].attributes.body
Morphology is the study of how words are formed from smaller units of meaning, such as roots, prefixes, and suffixes.

# data[].attributes.body
Morphological knowledge supports vocabulary development by helping ELLs decode unfamiliar academic words. Recognizing morphemes enables learners to infer meanings, spell words correctly, and understand grammar more effectively.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Word Building with Morpheme Cards

1. Students use root words, prefixes, and suffixes to build new words.

2. Differentiation: Provide labeled visuals for beginners. Allow advanced students to use words in sentences.

2. Morphology Match Game

1. Match a word with its meaning and morpheme breakdown.

2. Differentiation: Beginners can match visuals to meaning. Advanced students can define parts and use context clues.

3. Root of the Day

1. Introduce a new root, like "bio" and brainstorm related words.

2. Differentiation: Beginners can draw pictures or match definitions. Higher-level learners can create short definitions or sentences.

4. Academic Word Dissection

1. Students break down key academic words, like "photosynthesis", into morphemes and meanings.

2. Differentiation: Support newcomers with word banks. Ask fluent learners to compare multiple related terms.

# data[].attributes.body
Morpheme Scavenger Hunt

Students find and list compound words or words with prefixes/suffixes in books, labels, or online.

# data[].attributes.body
Families can help students notice word parts in everyday reading. For beginners, focus on simple compound words, like "toothbrush" or "baseball". More advanced learners can write down unfamiliar words and try to figure out their meanings using morphemes.

# data[].attributes.body
Reynolds, K. M., Dikilitas, K., & Close, S. (2022). Introduction to TESOL. Wiley.

Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs. (n.d.).

Phonology in the Classroom. Retrieved from https://linguisticsforteachersofells.weebly.com/phonology-in-the-classroom.html

Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs. (n.d.). Morphology in the Classroom. Retrieved from https://linguisticsforteachersofells.weebly.com/morphology-in-the-classroom.html

Shanahan, T. (2020, July). What should morphology instruction look like? Shanahan on Literacy. https://www.readingrockets.org/blogs/shanahan-on-literacy/what-should-morphology-instruction-look

Shanahan, T. (2020). Phonics for English learners. Shanahan on Literacy. https://www.shanahanonliteracy.com/blog/phonics-for-english-learners

TeachHub. (2020, July). Phonological awareness in the classroom.https://www.teachhub.com/teaching-strategies/2020/07/phonological-awareness-in-the-classroom/

# data[].attributes.body
Syntax is the grammatical and structural rules that govern word order and sentence structure in language.

# data[].attributes.body
Syntax helps students form sentences that “sound right”. This allows us to express ideas through speaking, reading, and writing. Understanding syntax supports students in comprehending complex academic material and can help ELLs become accustomed to English sentence patterns in specific contexts. Syntax skills support grammatical accuracy and fluency.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Sentence Scrambles

1. Students rearrange mixed up words into correct sentences.

2. Differentiation: Beginners can use simple sentences with visuals while advanced learners can use longer sentences such as compound sentences.

2. Model and Imitate

1. Teachers can display a sentence and have students create new ones using the same structure.

2. Differentiation: Provide sentence frames and word banks for beginners.

3. Error Correction

1. Students identify and fix errors in word order within short passages.

2. Differentiation: For beginners, provide a list of issues as a guide and allow advanced learners to peer-edit complex paragraphs.

4. Syntax Sort

1. Students out phrases into categories based on sentence structure elements (subject, verb, etc.).

2. Differentiation: Beginners can be provided color-coded cards to help with sorting.

# data[].attributes.body
Build-a-Sentence

Families cut out words and students rearrange them to make sentences. The link provided is an online version of a sentence building tool.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sentence building - copy with finger spaces & letter formation. | Sentence Building Vanessa Porter | Language Studies (Native) - Foundational language skills for preschoolers & school-aged children.

# data[].attributes.body
Families can tailor the above activity to the needs of their students. Beginners would benefit from using simple visuals and subject-verb sentences. Advanced students can be given multiple phrases. Families can also support their students’ learning through modeling full sentences.

# data[].attributes.body
Semantics studies the meaning of language such as word meanings, word relationships, and how contexts impact how words are interpreted.

# data[].attributes.body
ELLs need to understand more than just definitions of words. They must know how the meanings of words can shift with context. Semantic knowledge allows students to develop stronger reading comprehension skills. Semantic knowledge can also help ELLs use more appropriate vocabulary and understand figurative language.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Semantic Webs

1. Students are given a word and must explore it’s meaning, synonyms, and antonyms.

2. Differentiation: Beginners can be provided visuals while advanced learners can be asked to identify terms that we would normally see accompanying the spotlight word.

2. Word of the Day

1. Teach a new vocabulary word every day and prompt students to explore it’s various meanings, synonyms, and antonyms.

2. Differentiation: Beginners can be given simpler definitions and given real examples while advanced learners can be asked to use the new word in a sentence.

3. Context Clue Detective

1. Students guess the meaning of a word based on a short sentence or passage that it is found in.

2. Differentiation: Beginners can be given a list of definitions to choose from while advanced learners can make inferences on what the word may mean prior to being given the sentence or passage.

4. Multiple Meaning Match Up

1. Have students match a word with its multiple meanings.

2. Differentiation: Beginners can use pictures while advanced learners can be asked to think of synonyms for the words.

# data[].attributes.body
Word Detective

Students find and take note of new words from a book, tv show, or conversation to discuss what they think these words mean. The link above will help expose students to higher level vocabulary words.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Animated Super hero WordGirl fights crime using her superhero strength and her colossal vocabulary with her monkey sidekick, Captain Huggy Face.

# data[].attributes.body
To support student learning, families can have their students choose one word per session to discuss with the family. As students advance, families can continue to discuss the definition of multiple words and incorporate newly learned words into everyday sentences.

# data[].attributes.body
Pragmatics is the study of how people use language in real-world contexts utilizing social rules, relating to cultural norms, and even using manners.

# data[].attributes.body
More than just grammar and vocabulary, ELLs must know what to say, how to say things, and when to say them in specific contexts. Pragmatic skills can allow students to participate appropriately during classroom discussions, turn-and-talks, asking questions, and even when introducing themselves. Pragmatic knowledge can boost student confidence and social inclusion.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Role-Play Speech Acting

1. Student act out asking certain questions, stating apologies, or greetings in specific contexts.

2. Differentiation: Beginners can be given scripts while advanced learners can improvise scenarios.

2. Conversation Starters

1. Educators can teach their students how to start, maintain, and end conversations in different settings.

2. Differentiation: Beginners can be provided with sentence starters for practice while advanced learners can be paired with students to hold their own conversations.

3. Tone Practice

1. Have students practice saying the same phrase in different tones or contexts.

2. Differentiation: Beginners can imitate what their teacher has modeled for them while advanced learners can analyze a tone their educator provides for them to determine the context.

4. What Would You Say?

1. Give students a scenario and ask them to choose an appropriate response to the situation.

2. Differentiation: Beginners can be given very simple scenarios with visuals while advanced learners can be given complex scenarios that can have various acceptable responses.

# data[].attributes.body
Family Role Play

Family members can act out everyday social situations with their students.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Are you looking for a great way to keep your kids busy and help them learn imaginative play? In this updated post, we're sharing over 50 fun role playing games for kids that will help them learn to pass the time, and even get mom a few breaks in the day, too!
Do you remember the days of pretend play when you were a kid? Somewhere along the way as iPads, every new television show and our digital world have been growing, our kids seem to be doing role play activities less and less. Have you noticed?

But good news moms, stimulating kids' creativity is easier than you think! These fun role-playing ideas for kids can be as simple or elaborate as you'd like, using items you likely already have lying around the house. (If not, "making do" is great for young minds, too.)

What is the benefit of role play for kids?

Did you know according to studies by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) , play can help to improve our kids problem-solving skills, communication skills, language skills and social skills?

If you're ready to help your kids develop their fine motor skills and you'd like to keep them off of screens for awhile, you're in luck. There's an endless amounts of play potential to be had when you look for it.

Here are 50 unplugged solutions for hours of fun, cooperation, and imagination. Let your kids take these starters and run with them!

Want to take this list with you on the go? Be sure to download our free eBook Today, Let's Play: 50+ Fun Role-Playing Ideas for Kids. Tape it inside a cupboard, and save it for an "I'm bored!" day.

Here are some easy role play topics you can try today!

Looking for even more boredom busters? Here's what to do when your child says "There's nothing to do."

Fun Role-Playing Ideas for Kids

1. Library: Role-Playing kids can make library cards and a "scanner" (or whatever checkout method your local library uses), organize their books, or plan a read-aloud story time.

2. Zookeeper: Overturn some laundry baskets over stuffed animals, with a large bowl for some rubber duckies, food and water bowls, leashes, etc. Or let the kids be the animals!

3. Post office: Save envelopes from your junk mail, add some stickers for stamps. Have kids craft and decorate a mailbox out of a tissue box or shoebox, then write mail to deliver to family and friends.

4. Hair salon: Girls love grabbing their dolls, sticking them in a doll highchair, and going to town with some brushes and combs, hair clips/barrettes/etc., a spray bottle, and a bib or blanket as an apron.

5. Restaurant: Grab a memo pad, a towel for the waiter or waitress' arm, an upturned cardboard box with some plastic lids attached for a stove, and kid-sized dishes ... you get the idea.

6. Knights and maidens: Boys can make swords out of, well, anything; girls would love a manila-folder-turned-cone-shaped-princess-hat with a filmy scarf flowing out of the top-maybe with their own sword, too. And there's always the old go-to broom-handle-turned-horse.

7. Factory: Grab some rinsed-out recycling-old containers, etc.-with some paper brads, masking tape, and other fairly harmless items to attach one thing to another. You might even give the kids a mission, like creating a boat, or a device to keep an egg from breaking when it's dropped from counter height.

8. Kings and queens. This a classic role-play scenario where kids can take turns ruling the kingdom and helping their subjects. Cute costumes like crowns, robes and dress-up dresses add to the fun!

9. Army. Invite your kids to play army. They can come up with military drills, march around the house or neighborhood and fight and win battles - no bad guys required.

10. Tea party. Little kids traditionally love a tea party, but this can be fun for older children too! Let them make their own little sandwiches and snacks to share, and even make some actual (not-so hot) tea with adult supervision.

11. Airplane with pilot: Pull some chairs into two lines to look like an airplane cabin-or just enough chairs to look like a cockpit. Let the kids do the rest.

12. Train driver: Arrange chairs or laundry baskets as cars; office supply stores sell rolls of tickets. Better yet, have the kids make their own. Older kids can map out the routes of their train across the country.

13. Bank: Kids make their own paper "money" and use pennies, paper clips, etc. for coins. Explain terms like loan, teller, and interest.

14. Office: Load them up with old office supplies, something to resemble a computer (even a folded piece of cardboard can work, especially if they decorate it!), etc.

15. Laundry: Throw all the doll clothes into the washing machine-real or pretend. Let them hang clothes on a clothesline, "iron" the clothes, etc.

16. Circus: Grab hula hoops, stools, costumes, stuffed animals, even face paint and material for posters. What tricks will they perform? Surprise your kids with popcorn or peanuts for a snack, or let them fill paper bags that they place in a shallow box with a stapled-on strap (an instant vendor!).

17. Theater: This one has endless possibilities! Someone can make tickets, write a script, make costumes, make a set, etc. If you have a clothesline and a couple of sheets, a wide doorway, or just a bunk bed on which you can hang blankets-voila! Instant stage.

18. Puppet show. If you have older children, invite them to put on a puppet show for your younger ones! You can use anything from old socks to brown paper lunch bags to create your own customizable puppets. Then have them stand behind a couch or a table with a tablecloth and let the show begin!

19. Entrepreneur: Have your child think of something they would like to "sell" for a negligible amount (a penny, a nickel, a bottle cap) to family members, which they create. It might be stories they write, cookies they bake, pictures they draw, Lego creations they construct. Or you might let your child create a lemonade stand, or sell friends a dozen cookies for a low price that covers cost of goods.

20. Astronaut/space shuttle. Blast off to a new galaxy and watch your child's imagination soar as they take on a new planet in space! If you have a few cardboard boxes laying around, you can even use the to build your kids a rocket ship to take them into outerspace. Share some fun facts about space with your kids beforehand if you know any!

21. Aliens. When they get to outerspace, maybe your kids can meet aliens! Help acquaint them to human things, and learn all about alien life, too.

22. Hospital. Everyday objects from around the house can become hospital tools for play! Bonus points if you have any white coats laying around.

23. Veterinarian: Get out a doctor kit (or use an invisible one) and some stuffed animals as you give them a checkup on the kitchen table. Don't forget the food and water bowls!

25. Grocery store: Grab some stickers, non-perishables, and some coins or fake money.

26. Race car/taxi driver: Two rows of two chairs with a plate for a steering wheel and you're good! Wait till you hear the places your kids are "dropped off."

27. School (the classic). Hey, your younger kids might even learn their ABC's from the older siblings from this one!

28. Police officer/detective: Make up a story about a mystery that's happened (gasp!) in your own home: stolen cookies, a broken vase. The kids will need to make up their own clues and ending. As a added challenge, kids can take turns leaving clues to the mystery around the house.

30. Newspaper: Let the kids pick roles of editor, reporter, layout artist, etc. They can put out their own paper on "current events" in your household and neighborhood.

31. Artist: Paint a landscape outside with an easel and paper plate "palette."

32. Dance class. This is a fun way to get out a little extra energy, especially on a rainy day! You can even create a playlist for your kids with some of their favorite songs and add in glow sticks for fun if you have them.

33. Safari: Tape a couple of toilet paper tubes together to make some binoculars. Kids can be the explorers-or the animals!

34. President/vice president. Let your kids take turns making laws and ruling the house - as long as they don't forget who is really in charge.

35. Act out a Bible story! Do your kids have a favorite story from the Bible? Have them act it out in a fun role-playing game. Some fun ones to play would be Jonah and the Whale, Moses and the Red Sea and Noah and the Ark. The ideas for play really are endless.

36. Band: Make instruments out of household items and recyclable containers. Have a showtime, and don't forget the posters!

37. Radio show. Your kids can sing their favorite songs and talk about them and interview each other in between on their radio show!

38. Act out your favorite fairy tale or children's book. Have your children grab some of their favorite books off the bookshelf and act them out as best as they can.

39. Secret mission: Dress as spies. Make an imaginary mission. Or try a real one-how many trash cans can they swipe and empty without you seeing them?

40. Firefighters. There's a fire and people need to be rescued, fast! Some of your kids' teddy bears make for great subjects to save in a fire emergency.

41. Missionary: Be a missionary pilot; feed people some rice, or teach them to read; teach people about the Bible; translate Bible verses into a new "language" made up by your child. Or maybe your child is a missionary in a closed country, so they have to hold an underground church in the closet or basement. Locate countries on a map-maybe with missionaries from your church-learn about them, and pray for them (for real!).

42. Construction worker: Consider having your child make "buildings" with cushions, chairs, and household items.

43. Camping: You can create the classic bedsheet-over-the-table tent, or make it as elaborate as you want with flashlights, stuffed "wild" animals, backpacks, canteens, hiking around the house, s'mores in the microwave, sleeping bags, or a picnic lunch.

44. Sailors: Laundry baskets are great for this, or even just a porch with a rail to mount a flag. Find a recipe for hard tack; bring out some suitcases; swab the deck with a mop; use paper towel tubes as telescopes. Let them "fish" over the side with sticks and string or ribbon. Make sailor hats from online templates. Get out a map, decide on an ocean to sail, and learn to use a compass.

45. Act out a favorite story from history. Think about things that have happened throughout history and have your kids pretend that they're there to experience it all.

46. Pioneers/Little House on the Prairie. Have your kids pretend they've stepped foot in a new land for the first time. They have to build shelter, gather food and create a new home for themselves.

47. Garbage truck: Form "straps" on the top of an open cardboard box using pieces of duct tape stuck together, and put the cardboard box (decorated to look like a truck) over your child's head in a similar fashion to a sandwich board. Have him or her "drive" around the house to grab trash cans and empty them in a larger waste bin.

48. Sunday School. Pull out a children's bible or any other bible-based tools you have and invite your kids to teach each other a Sunday school lesson.

49. DIY Carnival: Have your kids create games, prizes, and tickets. This role play might be a good one for involving the neighbor kids!

50. Author/illustrator: Grab a sheaf of white paper; fold in half and staple. Add a construction paper cover if you'd like.

51. Farmer: Feed some animals-stuffed or real. Plant some seeds. Sit in a cardboard box or chair "tractor." Rake or dig something.

52. Boot Camp: Set up an "obstacle course" of pillows, cushions, and chairs inside, or whatever your yard allows outside. One child may time the others with a stopwatch or kitchen timer.

53. Treasure Hunt: If The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything sent your boys into a never-ending pirates phase, too (" RRRR! It's a fine day at sea, Mom!"), or if your kids have that innate love for adventure and exploration, maybe your kids will have a blast with this like mine did! Bonus: It also gives them beginning map-reading, direction-following, problem-solving, and spatial skills.

Choose and hide a treasure. Surprise older kids; let younger kids know what they'll be looking for (can be something new, a toy they like, or a piece of candy).

Draw a simple map. For younger kids, draw a dotted line as a path to take.

If they're into it, encourage costumes. Nothing like looking the part of a treasure hunter, pirate, explorer, etc.

After round one, consider switching sides: You're the explorer! Some preschoolers will be able to draw a crude map for you ... and who knows what treasure may show up that you thought was lost. ("My cell phone!!")

With all of these great ideas in your back pocket, you shouldn't need to hear "I'm bored" for quite awhile. But we also can't promise you that your house need a little clean up when they're done. Still... totally worth it! Now let's go moms and help our kids to learn how to play!
Have any other great role-playing ideas for kids? We'd love to hear them! Feel free to add yours to list through the comment section below!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
53 Easy Role-Playing Games for Kids - MomLife Today

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Are you looking for some great role-playing ideas for kids? This list is full of simple ideas to help your little one learn, grow and explore!

# data[].attributes.body
These activities help students develop an understanding of how to use specific language based on their environment and situation. Beginners can be given simple phrases and prompted with simple conversations. Advanced learners can role-play different roles within the same scenario or even make up their own scenarios.

# data[].attributes.headline
Colorín Colorado – Language Development Articles and Videos

# data[].attributes.subject
Colorín Colorado – Language Development Articles and Videos

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A bilingual site for educators and families of English language learners

# data[].attributes.headline
Guideposts for Reading Instruction with Multilingual Learners - WIDA Webinar

# data[].attributes.subject
Guideposts for Reading Instruction with Multilingual Learners - WIDA Webinar

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Guideposts for Reading Instruction with Multilingual Learners

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In this WIDA Webinar, we explore five critical, research-based aspects or “guideposts” of reading instruction for multilingual learners. For each guidepost, attendees receive an overview of the current research and strategies and tips for how it translates to classroom instruction.

# data[].attributes.headline
English Learners in the Classroom - Edutopia Article Series

# data[].attributes.subject
English Learners in the Classroom - Edutopia Article Series

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
English Language Learners

Teachers of any subject can use these tips to help English language learners be more engaged and at ease in class.

While we bring the mental health needs of our students into laser focus this year, it's still crucial that we keep the social and emotional world of our English language learners (ELLs) front and center. Just like their peers, ELL students come to our classrooms with the burning need to be seen and acknowledged for their unique personalities, life experiences, and talents. But language challenges can obstruct all these amazing facets of their personalities. Additionally, the social pressures of suddenly being in person again and needing to communicate may make them feel anxious, isolated, and embarrassed.

Because of the often-obvious communication difficulties, grade-level and subject-area teachers understandably often rely on ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers to step in and help these students. However, even if you aren't an ESL teacher, there's a plethora of strategies you can use to help these incredible students feel comfortable sharing their strengths and unique perspectives on the world.

Helping ELL Students Across All Subjects

1. Closed captioning isn't just for the hearing impaired. If you're showing video content, turning on closed captioning supports ELL students' comprehension as well as everyone's literacy skills. According to a 2017 study, the simple act of using closed captioning improves learning, even for students without learning challenges.

2. Voice typing in Google Docs (under the Tools menu) provides students with a voice-to-text option that can help learners who have some oral language but struggle with spelling and writing. By clicking the arrow next to the language, students can even dictate a text in their native language, if need be, and then use Google Translate to translate it.

For older students, or for those who are somewhat more advanced in English but need material translated immediately, the Google Translate app also lets you hold your camera (on a smartphone/iPad, etc.) up to a document and instantly see it in another language, no typing required.

3. Offer choices of what students can say if they're called on and aren't sure how to respond. This helpful anchor chart, for example, offers students options other than the ubiquitous "I don't know."

4. Add gestures to reinforce communication.Remember that in order to communicate, we need to ensure that the sounds coming out of our mouth create a mental image or concept in our listener's mind. You can increase comprehensible input (the amount of language that's understood) by using good, old-fashioned gestures. If you want to take it a step further, TPR (Total Physical Response) is a method of teaching vocabulary that uses physical movements to react to verbal input, similar to how young children naturally learn language at home.

5. Draw or write key words frequently as they come up during instruction to help students further decode what you're saying. You can also use Google Image search to help students visualize what your words refer to and share the images.

6. Utilize a chart: A PECS (Pictorial Exchange Communication System) chart can help individuals with communication challenges to express themselves. By pointing to an image on a classroom-themed PECS chart, students can let you know, for example, that they need to go to the bathroom by pointing to an image of a lavatory or that they are thirsty, sad, or confused, need a pencil, and so on. You can give them a laminated copy to tuck into their desk or hang one up on the wall for little learners. You may want to encourage students to say the words aloud as they point to the images to decrease their dependence on the chart. Try searching Google for "PECS chart for classroom" to find a chart that fits your needs.

7. Add images: A picture is truly worth a thousand words, but for ELLs, images are worth exponentially more. Document cameras provide ELL students with much-needed visual input of texts, worksheets, books, and other printed materials or realia. Project pages from a novel or picture book as the students follow along, display handouts and student writing samples, or use math manipulatives to solve a problem together. Document cameras make a world of difference in showing ELL students exactly what you're talking about rather than trying to explain it.

8. Pair up: If you want to pair an ELL newcomer with a bilingual student to help them, ask the ELL student to choose a student or two whom they'd prefer to work with, if possible. This prevents you from inadvertently pairing them up with someone they don't feel comfortable asking for help or with whom they really don't get along.

9. Give students a "language toolbox," a notebook full of pages of illustrated vocabulary words organized by theme that students can use as a reference. This is like a simplified version of an illustrated dictionary that younger ELLs can look through by theme to see vocabulary related to the colors, days of the week, classroom items, family members, and so on. In my classroom, I put these pages in plastic page protectors inside a binder for each student to flip through quickly. They can pull it out to help them fill in missing vocabulary when they write or as an easy reference whenever they need it.

10. Use a microphone or voice amplification system, which can help ELL students hear the nuances of your voice more clearly and understand you better. Record the lesson (if permitted), and digitally share the resulting video or audio with ELL students who might benefit from hearing/watching a replay. Similarly, ELLs have a hard time producing sounds correctly when the speaker's mouth is covered by a mask. Consider sharing posters of mouth formations or videos of you unmasked, creating some of these sounds.

Think about trying these strategies to help alleviate the communication difficulties that can prevent ELL students from becoming fully engaged in their learning and sharing who they are and what they can bring to the classroom.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Strategies That Support English Language Learners Across All Subjects

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Teachers of any subject can use these tips to help English language learners be more engaged and at ease in class.

# data[].attributes.headline
“Scaffolding Language, Scaffolding Learning” by Pauline Gibbons (Book)

# data[].attributes.subject
“Scaffolding Language, Scaffolding Learning” by Pauline Gibbons (Book)

# data[].attributes.body
Gibbons, P. (2015). Scaffolding language, scaffolding learning: Teaching English language learners in the mainstream classroom (2nd ed.). Heinemann.

# data[].attributes.headline
National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition

# data[].attributes.subject
National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What's Happening

Announcements on this page are generally from the Department of Education's Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA), or other relevant government agencies and offices, about concerns facing multilingual learner education.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Home | NCELA - English Language Acquisition & Language Instruction Educational Programs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Announcements on this page are generally from the Department of Education's Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA), or other relevant government agencies and offices, about concerns facing multilingual learner education.

# data[].attributes.body
National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition. (n.d.). NCELA. U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved August 6, 2025, from https://ncela.ed.gov

Edutopia. (201?–?), 10 strategies that support English language learners across all subjects. Retrieved August 6, 2025, from https://www.edutopia.org/article/10-strategies-support-english-language-learners-across-all-subjects

WIDA Consortium. (2024, October). Guideposts for reading instruction with multilingual learners [Webinar transcript]. Retrieved August 6, 2025, from https://wida.wisc.edu/resources/guideposts-reading-instruction-multilingual-learners

Colorín Colorado. (n.d.). Colorín Colorado. WETA Public Broadcasting. Retrieved August 6, 2025, from https://www.colorincolorado.org

Gibbons, P. (2015). Scaffolding language, scaffolding learning: Teaching English language learners in the mainstream classroom (2nd ed.). Heinemann.

# data[].attributes.body
Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs. (n.d.). Pragmatics in the classroom. https://linguisticsforteachersofells.weebly.com/pragmatics-in-the-classroom.html

Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs. (n.d.). Semantics in the classroom. https://linguisticsforteachersofells.weebly.com/semantics-in-the-classroom.html

Linguistics for Teachers of ELLs. (n.d.). Syntax in the classroom. https://linguisticsforteachersofells.weebly.com/syntax-in-the-classroom.html