Teaching Literacy in English to K-5 English Learners

Students must be taught vocabulary through formal instruction and also provided opportunities to acquire vocabulary through use in language-rich settings in and out of the classroom. Teachers should go beyond the words in reading texts and address the meaning of common words, phrases, and expressions that English learners have not yet learned.

Core reading programs typically do not include adequate vocabulary instruction for English learners, so districts and schools need to develop a framework of essential words to be taught explicitly and in-depth. Vocabulary instruction should be emphasized in all parts of the curriculum and include common English words and phrases as well as content words. The panel recommends instruction that

• • focuses on a limited number (8-10) of target words each week;
• • provides multiple exposures of target words in varied contexts;
• • uses student-friendly definitions;
• • makes active use of words in meaningful contexts; and
• • includes regular review.