Supporting English Language Learners

Many English Language Learners express frustration with the many unfamiliar phonemes in English.  But when English language learners receive "explicit phonemic awareness instruction, they are able to catch up with native speakers' progress on word identification and spelling" (as cited in Antonacci & O'Callighan, 2012, p. 2). See Funēmics and English Language Learners for more information. Since the Funēmics program is pre-grapheme, it can be used with any reading instruction.

Most English Language Learners (ELL) also face the difficult tasks of learning to read English, learning to speak it, and learning about a new culture. Because of these challenges, ELL students need additional support in three areas while learning to read English fluently: English language skills, vocabulary, and general background knowledge. Read Naturally Strategy programs are well-suited to provide this extra support. 

ELL Strategies in Read Naturally Programs 

How Read Naturally Programs Support ELL Students

Read Naturally programs support ELL students in acquiring English language skills through the use of the audio built into every lesson. Students listen to and read along as a native speaker reads each story with correct pronunciation and inflection. The rate of the audio is appropriately paced according to the reading level of the student to provide the scaffolding needed to internalize pronunciation and inflection. Reading the story aloud multiple times provides the practice students need to improve their oral language skills.

Easy access to the meanings of many words in each Read Naturally story provides ELL students with the word knowledge necessary to understand the story while also building their English vocabulary. 

• Most lessons begin with the definitions of several words key to the understanding of the story. 
• Definitions are available for many words in each story. 
• Some of the nonfiction stories are an in-depth description of a word. For example, the story Pioneers defines the word and provides the cultural connection to the United States.
• Each story has at least one question that focuses on the meanings of words.
• Many stories have Spanish translations available to use as a resource.

ELL students gain general background knowledge by reading the Read Naturally stories. Each story is nonfiction and provides information on a wide range of topics.  Some stories discuss American manners and customs, and others define idioms.

Learn More About These Read Naturally Intervention Programs

Read Naturally® Live Individualized reading intervention program using web-based software  Learn more about Read Naturally Live

Read Naturally® Encore New individualized reading intervention program using printed stories and audio CDs Learn more about Read Naturally Encore

One Minute Reader® iPad App Audio-supported, leveled interactive books for independent reading in school or at home Learn more about the One Minute Reader app

Read Naturally® Masters Edition Individualized reading intervention program for specific audiences† using printed stories and audio CDs Learn more about Read Naturally Masters Edition

Read Naturally® GATE Small-group instruction to teach phonemic awareness, phonics, high-frequency words, and fluency  Learn more about Read Naturally GATE

​	Take Aim! at Vocabulary Small-group/individual instruction to teach vocabulary using high-quality words and nonfiction text Learn more about Take Aim at Vocabulary

Funēmics Small-group instruction to teach phonemic awareness using scripted curriculum and interactive exercises.  Learn more about Funēmics