When working with English Language Learners, what should instruction start with?

Starting instruction with letters and sounds that resemble the students' first language is essential for English Language Learners (ELLs) because it builds on their existing linguistic knowledge and fosters a sense of familiarity and confidence. When students can connect new sounds and letters to those they already know, it enhances their ability to recognize and produce these elements in English. This approach not only facilitates phonemic awareness but also helps students transfer their skills in their first language to their learning of English.

Building on familiar concepts is critical in language acquisition, particularly in the early stages, as it allows learners to make meaningful connections and understand the foundational elements of English. In contrast, introducing complex sentence structures, academic language, or advanced vocabulary at the outset might overwhelm students or create barriers to their engagement and comprehension, as they have not yet fully developed the basic skills necessary to navigate these more challenging concepts.