10 Effective Ways to Help English Learners Excel with Grade-Level Content

Supporting English Learners (ELs) in accessing grade-level content is essential for creating inclusive and equitable classrooms. These students bring valuable cultural and linguistic strengths that, when nurtured, enhance the learning environment for everyone. However, many ELs encounter unique challenges when engaging with academic material intended for native English speakers. Teachers play a crucial role in bridging this gap by implementing effective strategies that make rigorous content accessible while also promoting language development. This blog will explore practical, research-backed approaches to help educators empower ELs, ensuring they succeed academically and feel valued throughout their learning journey.

To effectively support Els as they access grade-level content, it is essential to focus on two interconnected aspects: Content Knowledge and Language Development.

Content Knowledge

Content knowledge is the “body of knowledge and information that teachers teach and that students are expected to learn in a given subject or content area” (Great Schools Partnership, 2016). Content knowledge is derived from national or state standards and should be an outcome of high-quality instructional materials.

In addition to using high-quality instructional materials (e.g., Benchmark Advance and Benchmark Adelante) there are effective strategies you can implement to support your ELs in accessing grade-level content.

• Vertical Alignment Approach: A great way to differentiate content for Grades 3-6 is to have students explore topics within the same theme across different grade levels. For example, if a third grader studies Animal Adaptations in Life Science, they can reinforce their understanding by revisiting related topics from previous grades, such as Habitats from Grade 2 or How Animals Grow and Change from Grade 1. This approach helps students build a solid foundation while meaningfully engaging with the content.
• Primary Language Resources: Providing materials and lessons in each student’s primary language significantly enhances their understanding of core concepts. This not only aids in mastering the content but also helps them bridge the gap in their English skills. Access to primary language resources allows students to engage deeply with the subject matter, builds confidence, and facilitates the eventual transfer of knowledge into English.
• Use of Technology: Use of Technology: Encourage the use of digital tools, such as translation apps, relevant videos, and online materials available in a student’s primary language. For example, the program Express features a digital multilingual glossary that helps students see and hear essential vocabulary pronunciations, definitions, and example sentences in both English and their native language, aiding in content knowledge development

Language Development

English language development instruction is designed specifically for ELs to develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English (Colorín Colorado, 2024). To support language learning effectively, it’s crucial to be aware of the levels of language acquisition in your classroom. For instance, students at the Entering/Emerging level may comprehend more than they can articulate. Instruction should be differentiated according to students’ language proficiency levels as they engage with the consistent cognitive objectives of your lessons. The performance indicators should align with WIDA and ELPAC standards for each grade level.

Here are some strategies to consider:

• Visual Support: Educators should aim to make language comprehensible through visuals, charts, and drawings while eliciting student responses in an engaging, natural manner.
• Read Aloud and Annotation: Model the read-aloud process while annotating the text together, encouraging students to follow along actively.
• Sentence Structure Support: Assist students in breaking down sentences and deriving meaning through visuals and text features to build vocabulary and language skills.
• Differentiated Sentence Frames: Provide level-appropriate sentence frames and prompts from your program.
• Strategic Grouping: Organize students by language proficiency and primary language for peer support and effective collaboration. This allows for strategic pairing of stronger English speakers with those still developing their skills.
• Check for Understanding: Frequently assess understanding, allow time for processing, and engage students in think-pair-share activities that use their primary language.
• Vocabulary Emphasis: Regularly discuss the meanings of specific vocabulary words to reinforce understanding.

In addition to the above, using a curriculum specifically designed for English Language Development like Express, provides scaffolded instruction, language structures, and research-based instruction that addresses the language development needs of English Learners. It supports access to grade level content knowledge and provides ample opportunities for structured peer interactions.

Teaching language development is a dynamic and fulfilling journey, where challenges are transformed into opportunities for growth, making teaching and learning enriching and rewarding!