What type of support is best when ELL students are not reading in their native language?

The most effective type of support for ELL (English Language Learner) students who are not reading in their native language is utilizing a Bilingual Buddy. A Bilingual Buddy system pairs ELL students with a peer who speaks the same native language, allowing for communication and assistance in grasping difficult concepts, vocabulary, and comprehension skills in a familiar linguistic context. This approach not only aids in reducing language barriers but also provides emotional support and promotes social integration.

When students are struggling with reading in their native language, having a Bilingual Buddy can help them feel less isolated and more confident, facilitating a smoother transition into reading in English. The buddy can offer explanations, translate key ideas, and provide relatable examples, which can greatly enhance understanding and retention of the material.

While other options like individual instruction, group discussion, and peer tutoring can be beneficial, they may not specifically address the unique needs of ELL students who require support in their native language to bridge their learning gaps effectively. Individual instruction may lack the peer relationship aspect crucial for motivation, group discussions may not give personalized attention adequate to address specific reading challenges, and peer tutoring may not assure that all students share the same linguistic background for maximum effectiveness.