ELL strategies for the general education classroom
Keep the grade-level content, support the language: strategies for reading, math and writing, sentence frames by language function, and supports matched to each student's proficiency level.
English learners make the most progress when they stay in grade-level content and the teacher supports the language: vocabulary taught up front, background built with visuals, structured talk with frames, and the home language treated as a resource. You don't need a separate curriculum — you need a few routines you use every day.
Match the support to the proficiency level
States use different tests and level names, but most describe a similar progression. Use your district's scores and your own observations.
| Level (general) | Students can usually | Supports that fit |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning / newcomer | Single words, short phrases, gestures | Visuals, word banks, home language, choice and yes/no questions |
| Developing | Short sentences, basic content words | Sentence frames, organizers, partner rehearsal, pre-taught vocabulary |
| Expanding | Longer sentences, some academic language | Stems for complex ideas, text-dependent questions, feedback on word choice |
| Bridging | Most grade-level tasks with occasional support | Academic vocabulary in context, nuance, figurative language |
Strategies by subject
- Reading: pre-teach 4–6 key words, preview text features, read more than once with a purpose, partner summaries with a frame.
- Math: a visual math word wall, manipulatives and drawings, act out word problems, explanation frames.
- Writing: talk before writing, mentor sentences, word banks with transitions, focused feedback on one or two language features.
The full list, with a sample lesson, is in ELL strategies for reading, math and writing. For ready-made language by function — describe, compare, explain, argue — see our sentence frames for ELL students.
Testing and accommodations
English learners may receive state-approved supports on tests, such as word-to-word dictionaries or extended time. Our testing accommodations list covers what's common and how to prepare students. When an English learner also has an IEP or 504 Plan, both sets of supports apply; see IEP vs 504.
Language is not a disability
Slow progress in English, by itself, doesn't mean a student has a learning disability. Before a referral, the team should look at instruction, time in the U.S., progress in the home language and data over time. Families can still request an evaluation at any time.
Differentiate faster
The Pluma worksheet generator drafts practice pages with word banks and sentence frames at different levels, and the lesson plan generator builds language objectives into your plans. Review everything before you use it, and never enter student names, scores or identifiable information. Free to start, no card.
Create free accountFrequently asked questions
What are the best strategies for ELL students?
Keep grade-level content as the goal and support the language: pre-teach key vocabulary, build background knowledge, use visuals and manipulatives, structure partner talk with sentence frames, and allow the home language for thinking and planning. Match supports to proficiency and fade them over time.
What's the difference between ELL, ESL and MLL?
ELL (English language learner) or EL describes the student; ESL (English as a second language) usually names the program or class. Many districts now use MLL or ML (multilingual learner) to recognize the languages students already speak.
Are ELL students the same as students with disabilities?
No. Learning English is not a disability. An English learner can also have a disability, and then both supports apply, but slow progress in English alone isn't evidence of a disability. If you're concerned, the team should look at progress in both languages over time.
What testing accommodations can ELLs receive?
It depends on the state and the test. Common options include word-to-word bilingual dictionaries, directions read aloud or translated, extended time and small-group settings. State testing manuals list what's allowed.
Science of Reading
Classroom management
Lesson planning