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Improve Reading
by Jennie on Jul 21 2010 12:08 PM
Hello-
I teach ELLs grades 4-6. This past year I really focused on improving their reading skills, but their scores are not showing great strides. I'd really like suggestions on the most comprehensive & effective program model/textbook series/software, etc. that will help me support my students in the most efficient way. Thanks in advance!
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Re: Improve Reading
What scores did not show improvement? If you are talking about standardized tests designed for mainstream students, then you need to know that this is not a good measure to show improvement in ELL reading until around the 3rd to 4th year. The test is not at the English language level of your students and it is not a good indicator of growth. It takes years to get students at the 50th % in reading on these tests.
If your students did not show growth on a test designed for ELLs, that is a different story. In that case, you need to concentrate on reading across the content areas and on writing. In order for ELLs to do well on a test, they need a great deal of vocabulary development in all areas. Chose a reading series that focuses on content area instruction. I personally do not use a series. I prefer to teach nonfiction at the Grade 4-6 level pulling from their social studies and science curriculum. I use a lot of National Geographic materials. And I focus on contextualized vocabulary development.
I also like to use Reader's and Writing Workshop for ELLs because it allows you to development reading comprehension skills that are at the level of your students. I wrote a series of reading comprehension strategies on my blog at http://everythingesl-everythingesl.blogspot.com/
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Re: Re: Improve Reading
Thanks for your reply - your suggestions are very helpful. In my initial question, I was referring to standardized test scores that are not improving. While I realize they're not geared toward English language learners, the sad fact is that I have to be concerned with them. I'll admit that I'm feeling pressure to get their scores up, but I also desperately want them to be successful readers so they can do well in the regular classroom and in life.
I can see the value in using content areas to teach reading, but do you see any value in teaching a modified version of the regular classroom reading series?
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