Based on research, reading experts, and school successes, ELL students should be provided with formal instruction in reading and writing English as soon as they enter school.
The early exposure to English reading and writing instruction allows ELL students to develop their language skills in parallel with their native language. This approach has been found to be highly beneficial for their overall language development and academic success.
Here are some reasons why providing formal instruction in reading and writing
English as soon as ELL students enter school is recommended:
1. Language Acquisition: Young children have a remarkable ability to acquire language skills quickly. By starting English instruction early, ELL students can leverage this natural language acquisition process to develop their English reading and writing skills.
2. Vocabulary Development: English language instruction from an early age exposes ELL students to a wider range of vocabulary, helping them expand their language repertoire and better understand written texts.
3. Academic Success: Developing English reading and writing skills early on enables
ELL students to access the curriculum more effectively, participate in classroom activities, and succeed academically. By providing them with the necessary tools to comprehend and express themselves in English, they can fully engage in their learning.
4. Language Integration: Formal English instruction from the beginning helps ELL students integrate into the English-speaking environment and interact effectively with their peers. This integration fosters social connections, cultural exchange, and overall language development.
While it is important to acknowledge the importance of fluency in their native language, waiting until ELL students achieve fluency in their native language before providing formal English instruction may delay their English language development and hinder their academic progress.
In conclusion, based on research, reading experts, and school successes, it is recommended to provide ELL students with formal instruction in reading and writing English as soon as they enter school. This early exposure to English language instruction maximizes their language acquisition potential, facilitates vocabulary development, promotes academic success, and enhances their integration into the English-speaking environment.