English Language Learners

English Language Learners are often at risk for language and literacy delays. Early literacy on its own is already difficult, and for ELL children it is a challenge they must overcome as they attain the ability and skills of the English language. There are many literacy strategies that can be used to help teachers plan instruction for ELL students (context clues in text, reading comprehension, nonverbal communication, graphic organizers, explicit vocabulary instruction, phonological awareness and much more). What teachers, parents and other adults need to know is that to acquire these skills and gain proficiency in the language it will take time. “Studies have shown that ELLs with no English skills need between 5 and 7 years to achieve sufficient