Phonics

• Learning phonics can help students understand language faster.Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  Phonics is a core component of teaching language. Phonics helps students learn to recognize parts of words and to sound out pronunciation of words. Phonics teaches students to understand how words are put together. It can be an effective tool for young students or those learning English for the first time.
  
  

English Language Development

• Reading can help students learn to understand English.Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
  
  English Language Development (ELD) is a method of helping students whose first language isn't English acquire language through the use of different teaching techniques, often including full immersion. Teachers using ELD aim to reduce the pressure involved in learning a new language by incorporating visuals, gestures and slow speech with long pauses, as well as by avoiding jargon and by being straightforward and enthusiastic.
  
  

Photo Writing

• Describing photos can help students learn to write stories.Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  Visuals can help students, particularly those learning English as a second language, gain a deeper understanding of the material. Photo writing can encourage learners to tell stories about their lives by providing students an opportunity to build on meaningful pictures. First, students take photos (or a teacher provides photos) of a class activity or field trip. Secondly, students write words on adhesive notes and stick them to each picture. Finally, students work together to craft a story using the words they have identified. Having students work together also allows teachers to pair stronger students with weaker learners.
  
  

Reading Strategies

• Encourage students to read frequently.BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
  
  Teachers should encourage language learners to read as much as possible. The more they practice, the sooner their reading skills will improve. This can include cereal boxes, road signs, newspapers, magazines and countless other texts. Reading shorter pieces might encourage students by leading to more immediate feelings of achievement. Teaching students reading strategies is also helpful. Teachers should help language learners understand how to skim or scan the material before getting more in-depth. This is known as prereading and allows students to preview the text and vocabulary.