Which strategy is effective for supporting ESL students with reading?

The strategy of using visuals and pre-teaching vocabulary is highly effective for supporting ESL (English as a Second Language) students with reading. This approach taps into multiple modes of learning and comprehension. When ESL students encounter new texts, the inclusion of visuals—such as pictures, diagrams, or graphic organizers—helps them connect new vocabulary and concepts to their prior knowledge, making the meaning more accessible.

Pre-teaching vocabulary ensures that students are equipped with the necessary language to understand the content they will be engaging with. This strategy helps bridge the gap between the students' existing language skills and the new language they are learning, facilitating a smoother transition into more complex reading materials. By building their vocabulary and connecting it visually, students can bolster their comprehension and retain the information more effectively, which is crucial for language acquisition.

Other strategies that solely focus on independent reading without support may leave ESL students struggling to grasp the meaning of the text. A focus on grammar exercises, while important, does not necessarily aid in improving reading comprehension directly. Lastly, using only text in the student’s native language may limit their exposure to English and impede their language development. Therefore, using visuals and pre-teaching vocabulary stands out as the most effective method for enhancing reading skills in ESL learners.