What is the most effective way to help beginning-level ELLs participate in classroom discussions?

Providing short sentence stems and terms for practice is an effective strategy for helping beginning-level English Language Learners (ELLs) participate in classroom discussions. This approach scaffolds their language development by offering structured support, which enables them to construct responses and engage more meaningfully in conversations. Sentence stems serve as a guide, allowing students to focus on the content of the discussion without becoming overwhelmed by language barriers.

By using sentence stems, ELLs can practice key vocabulary and phrases relevant to the topic, making it easier for them to form their own sentences and contribute ideas. This method promotes confidence and encourages participation because students are given the tools they need to express themselves in a low-pressure environment, facilitating their engagement with peers and the curriculum.

In contrast, asking peers to interpret discussion points or having peers model discussions may not provide the necessary direct engagement or language practice for the ELLs themselves. While one-on-one instruction can be beneficial, it may not be scalable for all students in a classroom setting, making it less effective for promoting interaction during group discussions.