Work with a same-language partner
Write labels, drafts, notes, journal entries, outlines, etc. in L1
Create dual-language vocabulary supports (vocabulary anchor charts, labelled diagrams, personal dictionaries)
Create dual-language assignments (e.g. dual-language books, diagrams, signs)
Use on-line dual-language resources (e.g. Unite for Literacy, Britannica, translation software)
Source: Many Roots, Many Voices, Ontario Ministry of Education, 2005
Use word lists (single words) and word charts (examining words in more depth)
Teach word analysis skills (using root words, prefixes, suffixes)
Model how to infer the meaning of new words (context clues, illustrations, etc.)
Provide picture dictionaries and bilingual dictionaries (if student reads in L1)
Teach dictionary and thesaurus skills
“Recycle” new words - use new repeatedly and reintroduce words in different contexts
Keep the learning load manageable - not possible to learn all words at once
Sources: A World of Words, The Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat, 2009
Supporting English Language Learners - A practical guide for Ontario educators, Grades 1 to 8, Ontario Ministry of Education, 2008
Key visuals are graphic organizers that provide visual representations of important (key) ideas in a text, lesson, or unit
Examples include charts, Venn diagrams, flow charts, story maps, or other visual representations
Essential for ELLs as they reduce the language barrier
May be presented as a template with some information already filled in to help ELLs understand what is expected
Source: Many Roots, Many Voices, Ontario Ministry of Education, 2005