Final answer:
English reading materials with familiar text structures, decodable text, and clear illustrations support ELLs by reinforcing reading skills, aiding phonological awareness, and providing visual comprehension aids.
Step-by-step explanation:
When selecting English reading materials, a teacher ensuring the materials provide familiar text structures, feature mostly decodable text, and incorporate clear illustrations and/or graphics, aids English Language Learners (ELLs) in multiple ways. First, familiar text structures use predictable patterns and conventions that can help ELLs decode and comprehend text more effectively, reinforcing their reading skills.
Additionally, materials that contain decodable text support phonological awareness and word recognition, essential components of reading proficiency. Clear illustrations and graphics serve as visual aids, contributing to the understanding of the material when language barriers might exist.
For instance, if a student understands the purpose of headers and other markers thanks to their previous experience with texts, it becomes easier for them to navigate through new reading materials (as discussed in sections about text adherence). Similarly, having materials in a bilingual format can support comprehension and learning across different subjects, as seen with students like Lucy who benefitted from dual-language resources.
Furthermore, pedagogical frameworks that include chapter outlines, learning objectives, chapter summaries, and definitions of key terms can significantly aid ELLs by presenting information in manageable and digestible segments. This comprehensive approach ensures that all students, regardless of their language background, can access the content effectively.