Resources

Implementing Instructional Strategies for English Learners

Definition
Instructional strategies for English Learners are aligned with the SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol) model. The SIOP model consists of eight interrelated components that ensure learning is scaffolded in ways that make rigorous, grade-level appropriate academic content accessible for English Learners (ELs).
Underlying Principles
When educators implement instructional strategies for English Learners, it is important that they encompass each of the eight SIOP components:
• Lesson preparation
• Building background
• Comprehensible input
• Strategies
• Interaction
• Practice and application
• Lesson delivery
• Review and assessment
Rationale
All teachers are teachers of language. When educators apply appropriate instructional strategies, they make rigorous, grade-level appropriate academic content accessible for English Learners. The key is understanding a range of research-based strategies that make content comprehensible and facilitate language learning and thoughtfully applying them to match student needs.
design studios
Focus on Dynamic Language Learning Progressions
Exploring Facilitative Discourse Moves for English Learners (Design Studio)
Creating an InteractiveCurriculum through StudentEngagement for ELs (Design Studio)
CLASSROOM PRACTICES
Dynamic Language Learning Progressions
additional resources
The Center for Applied Linguistics has many resources on the SIOP model, including a wealth of lesson plans and samples of instructional approaches for each SIOP component.
The Connecticut English Language Proficiency (CELP) standards is a comprehensive document that describes what students can do in the classroom according to their language proficiency. The appendix includes a wide array of resources that are useful in supporting the language development of English Learners.
This handy resource provides a description for each of the 8 components of the SIOP model. With each component there are recommendations for implementation.
The SIOP lesson plan templates help teachers design lessons that contain all 8 components of the SIOP model. Teachers can select the template that works best for their class.
The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) provides a collection of exemplary SIOP lesson plans that span grade K to adult learners. Teachers can view actual lesson plans and gain insights for their own planning and implementation.
The SIOP Strategies and Activities Table is a quick reference guide that provides strategies and activities that correspond to each SIOP component and feature.
This slideshow presentation provides characteristics of and appropriate strategies for each proficiency level of English learners.
Need help identifying scaffolds that support student learning? Support ED provides helpful tools to make challenging content accessible for students at all proficiency levels.
Find appropriate strategies according to group size, time needed to complete tasks, and grade level. This interactive website helps teachers filter through all the possible strategies that work well for particular settings and purposes. Go to “Show Advanced Filters” to help you narrow your search.
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