End Goal

To increase language comprehension input for Emergent Bilinguals, educators can implement strategies like providing visual aids, pre-teaching key vocabulary, slowing down speech, using real-world examples, incorporating authentic materials like videos and stories, offering opportunities for interaction, and ensuring texts are at an appropriate language level; essentially making the language input understandable by relying on context clues and supporting visuals. 

Key elements of comprehensible input for EB students:

• Adjusted Speech Rate: Speaking slower and enunciating clearly to allow students time to process information. 

• Visual Aids: Using pictures, diagrams, real-life objects, and gestures to support understanding. 

• Simple Vocabulary and Sentence Structure: Limiting complex words and using short, straightforward sentences. 

• Repetition and Paraphrasing: Repeating key points and rephrasing ideas to enhance comprehension. 

• Contextual Clues: Providing relevant background information and using context to help students infer meaning. 

• Prior Knowledge Activation: Connecting new information to what students already know. 

• Meaningful Activities: Engaging students in activities that are relevant to their lives and interests.

"Language output" for EB students refers to any activity where they actively produce spoken or written English, essentially meaning they are actively using the language to communicate their thoughts and ideas, which can include speaking in discussions, writing sentences or paragraphs, or participating in role-plays, all aimed at practicing and developing their language skills through production rather than just passively receiving information. 

Key points about language output for ELLs:

• Importance of practice:
  Providing ample opportunities for students to practice producing language is crucial for language acquisition, as they can test their understanding and refine their skills through speaking and writing. 

• Variety of forms:
  Output can take many forms, from simple verbal responses to complex written compositions, depending on the student's language level and the activity. 

• Scaffolding and support:
  Teachers should provide appropriate scaffolding and support to ensure students can participate meaningfully, including sentence frames, visual aids, and collaborative learning environments. 

• Feedback is key:
  Giving constructive feedback on students' output is essential for them to identify areas for improvement and learn from their mistakes.