Research shows that Multilingual Learners benefit from the same high-quality instructional strategies as all students, provided they are implemented with specific modifications and adjustments. By refining your approach to oral language, phonics, and vocabulary, you can bridge the gap between decoding and deep comprehension.
1. Prioritize Oral Language Before Print
Oral language development is the foundation of literacy and includes both word meaning and an understanding of English syntax. For Multilingual Learners, the ability to read and write a word depends heavily on whether they can say it first.
- Concurrent Development: Oral language and English language instruction must be developed concurrently for the most positive impact.
- Deep Vocabulary Instruction: Ensure students can decode, spell, and recognize a word's various meanings and correct usage.
- Productive Language First: Prioritize productive language initially, such as speaking and writing.
- Practice Orally: Require students to use target words in oral conversations before using them in their own writing.
2. Bridge to the Home Language
A student's home language is a powerful asset. Connecting new concepts to their native tongue accelerates the learning curve.
- Leverage Cognates: For Spanish-speaking students, use Cognate and False Cognate charts to show linguistic connections.
- Identify Sound Parallels: Skills can transfer across languages if students learn which sounds are the same and which are different.
- Translate for Correction: If a student makes a mistake, model the correct response and use the native language to translate if you are able.
- Bilingual Discussions: Classroom conversations are more effective if some can occur in the student's home language.
3. Master Phonics with Meaning
Phonics instruction for Multilingual Learners is most effective when paired with total word structure and vocabulary acquisition.
- Avoid Nonsense Words: Nonsense word practice may not be the most effective strategy for this group of students.
- Pre-teach Meaning: Directly teach key vocabulary using student-friendly definitions and visual support before decoding or encoding.
- Multi-Sensory Tools: Use hands-on activities and manipulatives to teach letter-sound relationships.
- Model Sound Production: Spend a few minutes reinforcing the correct production of sounds, especially those not present in the home language.
4. Scaffold for Comprehension & Fluency
Many Multilingual Learners appear fluent because they read quickly, but they may lack the syntax and vocabulary to actually comprehend the text.
- Sentence Frames: Use frames combined with word banks and pictures to support both conversations and writing.
- Visual Reading: Point to words in the text as you read them, as well as the accompanying pictures.
- Check Frequently: Check comprehension frequently throughout the lesson.
- Wait Time: Allow extra time for students to respond - at least 3-5 seconds.
5. Build Relationships & Routines
A supportive environment allows Multilingual Learners to take the risks necessary to learn a new language.
- Cultural Awareness: Be culturally aware and sensitive in all your interactions with students and their families.
- Consistent Structure: Use regular instructional structures and routines to provide predictability.
- Respect the "Silent Period": Respect the need for new arrivals to be silent.
- Measured Speech: Speak at a slightly slower pace with a clear, measured cadence.
Engaging Classroom Activities for Multilingual Learners
- Roll, Read, Write: Create a 7x6 table where students roll a die and spell the corresponding target word out loud as they write it.
- Sentence Scrambles: Mix up groups of words from decodable texts and have students work together to create syntactically correct sentences.
- Bang: Use a "Bang" card in a pile of words to turn vocabulary and letter review into a high-energy game.
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Free Phonics Activity: Letterland Geography Matters Pack