What strategy should a teacher use to support English language learners' skills during story discussions?

Meeting with English language learners beforehand to preteach vocabulary is a highly effective strategy to support their skills during story discussions. This approach helps familiarize students with key terms and concepts they will encounter in the story. When learners already have a grasp of the vocabulary, they feel more confident and engaged during discussions, enabling them to participate actively and contribute to conversations about the story.

Preteaching vocabulary also allows the teacher to introduce context and background knowledge, which can be particularly beneficial for English language learners who might not have the same cultural references as their peers. This preparatory step creates a more inclusive and supportive learning environment, facilitating comprehension and improving overall language acquisition.

In contrast, simply reading faster may overwhelm students who are still developing their language skills, while assigning homework might not provide immediate support during the discussion itself. Using only visual aids can be beneficial as well, but it may not address the language deficits that students can face without vocabulary reinforcement. Overall, preteaching vocabulary is an intentional strategy that directly enhances understanding and engagement in story discussions.