Student Literature Strategies

Bilingual Books and Labels

Bilingual Books and Labels is a strategy that combines English and a student's first language for better comprehension. This is especially helpful for lower levels of English fluency. Using books that are printed in both languages can help supplement understanding, along with slowly decreasing reliance on the student's first language. Labels printed around the classroom to identify different areas can also be helpful.

Steps:

1. Identify languages

2. Pronounce and label common objects

3. Provide bilingual books

4. Provide translations for classroom texts

5. Explore key vocabulary in both languages

6. Monitor and evaluate comprehension

LAFS.1112.RL.2.4

Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful.

ELD.K12.ELL.LA.1

English language learners communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of Language Arts.

Collecting and Processing Words

Collecting and Processing Words is a strategy that helps students develop vocabulary. This strategy can raise the English reading level of students, while helping them to expand their vocabulary and enhancing their understanding of grade level texts. Examples of collecting words would be a word journal, where unfamiliar words are recorded along with a student definition of how the word is used. This can help students when reading on their own, and develop a routine for difficult words.

Steps:

1. Identify unfamiliar words in reading

2. Write unfamiliar words down and explore meaning

3. Have students act out verbs

4. Provide students with vocabulary journals

5. Assess progression and comprehension

LAFS.1112.RL.4.10

By the end of grade 11, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 11–CCR text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.

By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, at the high end of the grades 11-CCR text complexity band independently and proficiently.

ELD.K12.ELL.LA.1

English language learners communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of Language Arts.

Free Voluntary Reading

Free Voluntary Reading is a strategy that helps involve students in their own learning of English books. Students will select stories they want to read and be encourage to make their way through the text independently. This can encourage students to continue practicing their English reading and integrate skills learned in the classroom to help understand their reading. 

Steps:

1. Identify individual reading levels

2. Explain program to students

3. Discuss the books in class

4. Add motivation/prizes over time

5. Assess progress and plan more instruction

LAFS.1112.RL.1.2

Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to produce a complex account; provide an objective summary of the text.

ELD.K12.ELL.LA.1

English language learners communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of Language Arts.

Preview/Review

Preview/Review is a strategy that helps bilingual students with their comprehension while reading. Content is previewed in a student's first language, then reread in English, After the reread, students will review what they read in their first language. This strategy is especially effective when students are reading above their reading level, or with difficult academic language. Understanding the material in both languages bridges the gap between reading and comprehension.

Steps:

1. Plan and gather materials

2. Preview vocabulary and concepts

3. Read text

4. Review text

5. Record knowledge

6. Assess comprehension

LAFS.1112.RL.2.5

Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text (e.g., the choice of where to begin or end a story, the choice to provide a comedic or tragic resolution) contribute to its overall structure and meaning as well as its aesthetic impact.

ELD.K12.ELL.LA.1

English language learners communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of Language Arts.

Reporting Back

Reporting Back is a strategy that supports students' comprehension from individual reading, by reporting back what they learned. This can encourage students to read closely and absorb the meaning and importance of a text. Allowing students the opportunity to report back helps to foster comprehension and understanding of written texts while reading for extended periods of time.

Steps:

1. Prepare feedback time
2. List and review steps
3. Record new information
4. Celebrate achievement
5. Review new vocabulary
6. Assess student progress

 LAFS.1112.RL.3.7

Analyze multiple interpretations of a story, drama, or poem (e.g., recorded or live production of a play or recorded novel or poetry), evaluating how each version interprets the source text.

ELD.K12.ELL.LA.1

English language learners communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of Language Arts.

Reference:Herrell, A. L., Jordan, M., & Herrell, A. L. (2012). 50 strategies for teaching English language learners. Boston: Pearson.