To know your student is to appreciate your student What are their interests?

How do they
learn? What is their background? When you know your student, you will be able to cater their
literary instruction to best serve and educate your student. It is imperative to understand the six-
stage language learning process. During each phase extensive teacher modeling, repetition,
explicit instruction, and consistency is necessary. Suggested strategies for each stage are detailed
below.

1. Pre-Production (aka the silent period)- Research suggests that this period is the
longest stage of language development (it can last up to two years for an ELL).
During this critical period, a student may not speak at all as they absorb and digest the
new vocabulary, syntax, and language rules. Visual aides to assist in vocabulary
acquisition
i. Books on tape and music are an excellent vocabulary development tool for
ELLs
ii. Extensive modeling of English language structure by educator and peers

2. Early Production During this phase an ELLs language is still in the development
stage, though the student may speak in short sentences. During this phase error is
quite common. Students frequently respond with one word answers: yes/no.10
i. Development of picture dictionaries
ii. Repetition of student phrases to model differences in language expression
iii. Independent reading

3. Speech Emergent This phase involves longer sentence development and topics are
limited to context.
i. Incorporate charts and graphs and require analysis of them.
ii. Have the student retell stories/experiences
iii. Provide opportunities for the student to write about their experiences
iv. Utilize Fill in the blank worksheets, when possible

4. Beginning Fluency- Social language is very developed in this stage, errors are less
frequent, and there will be vocabulary gaps that prevent expression. During this phase
students will be able to produce responses with an explanation and answer the why
question.

i. The student can make brief presentations

ii. A Writers workshop is an excellent way to encourage peer-to-peer
interaction and model

5. Intermediate fluency Communication is almost fluent in this stage. Second language

ELLs begin to formulate topical opinions and topic analysis.
i. Begin introduction of etymology of words

6. Advanced Fluency ELLs can communicate across all contexts and environments
and are considered fluent in English.
i. Teach effective note taking
ii. Introduce challenging activities that require ELL students to rely on their
knowledge of vocabulary and syntax.