Strategies for Teachers in teaching ESL

·         Strategies for Teachers in teaching ESL

The following simple strategies should help teachers to improve ESL(teaching English as second language) reading skills among their students.

·         Basic English grammar and acquisition of vocabulary are important tools towards the students’ reading comprehension. Before introducing students to reading comprehension, ensure that they understand English words and can associate meanings with the words.

·         Set the pattern for students to follow. In the introductory reading lesson, read a simple passage from a school textbook, fiction or non-fiction book. Students should be provided with copies of the text being read, so they could follow along; however, reserve magazines and newspapers for when students reach an advanced level.

·         While reading the first passage, stop at certain points and explain what you have read. Explain the author’s purpose before, during, and after reading the passage. Ensure that students are familiar with the vocabulary and give them the meanings of words or expressions, which are new to them.

·         Now, it is the students’ turn. Provide them with a text, which they will take turns at reading. Indicate written prompts at certain points in sections or paragraphs where they should stop to discuss what they have read and understood. These prompts would help students to begin expressing their thoughts. Some of these prompts might include: I think…; I noticed…; I like the part where…; I don’t believe/think…” Before beginning the lesson, students should acquaint or re-acquaint themselves with these expressions.

·         Ask them meaningful questions about the content of the passage and the author’s purpose.

·         Allow the class to engage in discussion after each passage read by each student.