Teaching Writing to ELLs

What are some strategies for teaching writing to ELLs?

Teaching writing can be a challenge. It's important for teachers to know these challenges (Sousa, 2011, p. 92):

1) The mechanics of writing-how to form letters, places words and punctuation.

2) English proficiency-the extent of the ELL's mental lexicon and understanding of the rules.

3) Content Knowledge-what the ELL knows about the subject.

Several strategies mentioned to help overcome these challenges (Sousa, 2011, p. 93-94, 102-104):

·       Focus on the sounds of the language

·       Teach punctuation

·       Read-aloud to develop vocabulary

·       Pre-writing exercises

·       Teacher modeling

·       Interactive and shared writing

·       Dialogue journals and learning logs

·       Demonstrate how reading and writing are connected

·       Demonstrate how reading and writing are tools for thinking and learning

·       Brainstorm, draft, revise, edit

·       Teach grammar in the context of actual writing

·       Develop a core list of words for the students to use

·       Integrate spelling into reading and writing instruction

 What can teachers do to support ELLs in writing?

Developing proficiency in writing and comprehension can be done while listening to read alouds and reading. Both have a positive effect on vocabulary and writing. Teacher feedback on content and form is also important. ELLs can start with drawings as a prewrite exercise. Drawings help illicit conversation and written elaboration. Modeling of writing is also good. Clear examples should be provided so that students know exactly what they are aiming for.

Sousa, D. (2011). How the ELL Brain Learns. Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin A Sage Company.