1. Karen Parrish
ELL Writing Instruction
January 31, 2010
What Classroom Practices Best Promote ELL Writing
There are many effective writing instruction strategies used in classrooms today
for ELLs. The goal is to promote academic success in English literacy while at
the same time, maintain the ELLs first native language.
Classroom practices include the following:
1. Differentiation – All writing assignments should be based upon individual
needs of ELLs. Students should be encouraged to write in their first native
language literacy as they acquire written English proficiency. This
promotes academic success and a sense of identity.
Article: “Worlds Beneath the Words: Writing Workshop with Second
Language Learners.”
2. Strategies - Effective instruction should be explicit and systematic when
employing these strategies:
- Draw on ELL prior knowledge
- Provide opportunities to review previously learned concepts and
teach them to use concepts.
- Organize themes that connect the curriculum across subject areas
- Provide individual guidance and support to fill gaps in background
knowledge.
- Provide opportunites rich in listening speaking, writing, and reading.
This interaction between teacher and student makes it a very social
setting.
- Visual cues are especially important when writing. Visual cues help
emphasize writing for meaning as well as building vocabulary.
Article: “Considerations for ELL’s Writing”
3. Technology in Writing for ELLs.
- Technologies to support writing helps students with generating
ideas, organizing ideas, finding the right words to convey ideas, use
correct grammar, puncuation, spelling, and handwriting.
Article: “Technology to Support Writing”
4. Classroom Activities for ELLs
Quick Writes
Cinquain poems
Mini-lessons

2. Interactive Word Walls
Interactive Writing
Article: “Improving Writing Skills of ELLs and the Joy of Writing.
Video: “What Makes Friends Happy?”