• The phonology definition linguistics provides is the study of speech sounds and manual units and how they change in different contexts within and among languages. (Barta, A. & Hughes, D., 2023)

• It investigates how sound patterns contribute to word formation, syllable structure, and meaning.

• Phonology analyzes phonemes, the basic units of sound in a language, and the phonological rules that govern how these sounds can be combined.

• Phonology processing is crucial or both comprehension and the production of speech and language for reading and spelling

• Phonology focuses on how each sound functions within a language's structure

• Morphology is the study of the internal structure of words

• It focuses on the smallest units of meaning within words, known as morphemes. (Sarah Snippets, 2025)

• Morphology helps students break down and understand the meaning of words

• For ELL students it helps use context clues to understand new words and expand their language understanding

• Morphology can be used in all subject learning classes in which students can make connections among vocabulary words

• "Morphology should be taught within the context of vocabulary instruction as a strategy for understanding the relationships among words based on their shared meaningful units – i.e., their bases, prefixes, and suffixes." (IMSE Journal, 2022)

• Vocabulary Builder: ELL students will build their vocabulary quickly by using flashcards with a picture to match on the back. This will enhance students communication skills by using their newly learning vocabulary words

  • Reviewing vocabulary words: Students are able to preview these vocabulary words before reading a new book or completing short answer questions. These vocabulary words can be posted in the classroom titles "Word Wall" for students to review during classroom instruction

  • Differentiation: ELL students have the ability to decide and choose which vocabulary words they would like to focus on and use them in a complete sentence

  • Picture Dictionary: Students have the ability to use pictures that are located on the back on an index cards to help understand the vocabulary term previously learned

  • Differentiation: ELL students can choose which vocabulary words they would like to use and discuss during whole or small group discussions. They can also work with a partner to practice understanding a specific vocabulary word

• Listening Activities: Out of all the classroom activities, listening is the most crucial and important activity because this allows students to first listen to instructions before completing an assignment.

  • Simon says: Students can play a game where teachers give specific directions that students must listen to first but only if the command starts with, "Simon says"

  • Differentiation: ELL students are provided with a visual card with a specific movement the teacher will command but only when they say, "Simon says". This card will show students how to complete a specific movement

  • Listening activity: Students will stay seated listening to a story or directions provided by the teacher before completing the assignment

  • Differentiation: ELL students will be provided with an ear or lip card. The ear card indicates that students will need to use their listening ears. The lip card will indicate when it is the student turn to respond of speak

    
    

• Speaking Activities: For ELL students, it may be difficult for them to participate in speaking activities due to a language barrier. Creating fun and engaging activities will motivate students to participate and gain confidence for speaking in front of the classroom

  • Word of the Day: Students will be provided with a word of the day where they are asked to define the word, provide a sentence using the word and also writing the word five times.

  • Differentiation: ELL students will be provided with an index card of the word of the day where teachers can explain the importance of the word and how it pertains to classroom activities/lessons

  • Songs and rhymes: Group speaking can be encouraged by students learning a new song about newly learned vocabulary word (for example: Heidi Songs). This will encourages students to sing and dance together to learn new words

  • Differentiation: ELL students will be provided with a song list and website for students to learn the songs and rhymes at home to enhance students learning at home and begin speaking more fluently in the classroom

    
    

• Writing Activities: Students will complete writing activities while using their vocabulary flashcards to increase their writing ability.

  • Sentence starters or sentence frames: Students will be provided with a writing topic and a sentence starter to complete a writing task

  • Differentiation: ELL students will first discuss steps for writing. Focusing on the different parts of writing such as capitalization, punctuation, understanding and spelling. Completing these steps will encourage students to begin their writing by using a sentence starter provided by the teacher

  • Create a short story: Students will be provided with vocabulary words that will be used to complete a short story Students can make a story on their own using previously learned vocabulary words

  • Differentiation: ELL students will be provided with a sentence starter that will allow students to build the sentence by adding more words. Students will also be provided with a picture (visual) to help increase their writing ability.

Barta, A. & Hughes, D. (2023). "Phonology l Definition, Rules & Examples" https://study.com/learn/lesson/phonology-examples-rules.html

IMSE Journal. (2022) "Morphology and How It Helps with Vocabulary" https://journal.imse.com/how-morphology-helps-with-vocabulary/

Sarah Snippets. (2025). “Understanding Morphology: Part 1 – Sarah’s Teaching Snippets” https://sarahsnippets.com/understanding-morphology-part-1/

BrainPOP ELL: BrainPOP ELL helps students build their grammar and vocabulary skills. This website provides students with newly learned vocabulary words, reading comprehension, writing, and listening skills through story driven lessons.

www.brainpop.com

StarFall: StarFall helps all ELL students through multisensory interactive games that allow students to see, hear, and touch as they are learning. This website will help ELL students enhance their proficiency language skills.

www.starfall.com

ABCya: ABCya is a fun and engaging website that provides games, skills and videos for all students learners within grade K-5th. This website provides games and activities based on the states common core standards.

www.abcya.com