How to Support English Language Learners with Reading Comprehension

27 September 2025

Reading comprehension is a critical skill that everyone needs, but for English Language Learners (ELLs), it can be especially challenging. Imagine trying to piece together a puzzle in another language! ELLs often face the double hurdle of understanding not only the content but also the language itself.

As educators, parents, or even peers, we all play a role in helping these students succeed. But what exactly can we do to support them in improving their reading comprehension? In this article, we’ll dive deep into practical strategies that you can use to support English Language Learners as they work to sharpen their reading skills.

Why Is Reading Comprehension Challenging for ELLs?

Before we get into the how, it’s essential to first understand the "why."

ELLs often struggle with reading comprehension due to several factors:

1. Limited Vocabulary: A lack of sufficient vocabulary can be a huge barrier. They may come across new words that they’ve never seen before, let alone know how to pronounce or understand.

2. Cultural Differences: Language is deeply tied to culture, and some references or idiomatic expressions may not make sense to someone from a different cultural background.

3. Grammar Confusion: English grammar can be tricky even for native speakers, let alone for learners. Sentence structures that seem simple to native speakers might be confusing for ELLs.

4. Lack of Background Knowledge: Many reading comprehension passages assume prior knowledge. For ELLs, missing that background can make understanding the text even more difficult.

Understanding these challenges helps us develop strategies that can address them effectively.

Strategies to Support ELLs with Reading Comprehension

Now that we know some of the obstacles, let’s talk about the solutions. Here are proven strategies to support English Language Learners in developing better reading comprehension skills.

1. Build Vocabulary in Context

Vocabulary is the foundation of reading comprehension. Without knowing the meaning of the words, understanding the passage will be like trying to read a book in the dark.

But it’s not just about throwing a list of vocabulary words at them. It’s about showing them how the word functions within a sentence or context. For example, rather than just defining the word “run,” show how it’s used in a sentence like “She decided to run for class president.” This gives students a clearer idea of how to use the word appropriately.

How to Build Vocabulary:

- Pre-Teach Vocabulary: Before diving into a reading task, introduce key vocabulary that will appear in the text.
- Word Maps: Create visual aids for each new word, showing its definition, synonyms, antonyms, and usage in a sentence.
- Real-Life Examples: Give them real-world examples of where they might encounter the word.

2. Use Visuals to Support Understanding

A picture is worth a thousand words—literally! Visual aids can significantly help ELLs understand the content, especially when they are struggling with certain vocabulary or concepts.

For instance, if a passage mentions a "caterpillar turning into a butterfly," showing a time-lapse video or series of images can provide much-needed context. Visuals like diagrams, infographics, or even simple drawings can bridge the gap between words and understanding.

How to Use Visuals:

- Picture Books: For younger learners, picture books are an excellent tool for helping them to grasp the meaning of the story.
- Graphic Organizers: Use tools like Venn diagrams, timelines, and story maps to break down the content visually.
- Videos and Images: Incorporate multimedia elements into lessons to give a visual representation of complex ideas.

3. Activate Prior Knowledge

Activating prior knowledge helps students make connections between what they already know and the new information they are encountering. This strategy is particularly effective for ELLs because it gives them a framework to build upon.

Before diving into a text, ask students questions that relate to the topic. For instance, if the text is about animals in the rainforest, ask them if they know any animals that live in the jungle or have seen movies about it. This primes their brain, making it easier to absorb new information.

How to Activate Prior Knowledge:

- Pre-Reading Discussions: Open up a discussion about the topic of the text to explore what students already know.
- KWL Charts: Have students fill out a KWL chart (What I Know, What I Want to Know, What I Learned), which organizes their thoughts before, during, and after reading.
- Relate to Personal Experiences: Encourage students to relate the reading material to their own lives or experiences where possible.

4. Scaffold the Reading Process

Scaffolding is all about providing support until the student can stand on their own. When it comes to reading comprehension, this means breaking down the process into smaller, manageable steps.

ELLs might not be ready to dive into a complex passage on their own, but with gradual guidance, they can build the skills they need. For instance, you might start with a simpler version of the text before moving on to the actual passage.

Scaffolding Techniques:

- Chunking Texts: Break the reading into smaller, more digestible parts. After each section, discuss what they’ve understood before moving on.
- Guided Reading: Read aloud with the students, pausing to ask comprehension questions and ensuring they are following along.
- Summarizing: After each paragraph or section, ask students to summarize in their own words what they’ve just read.

5. Encourage Active Reading

Active reading is when students engage with the text, rather than passively letting the words wash over them. This can be particularly useful for ELLs, as it forces them to think critically about what they are reading and helps solidify their understanding.

Encourage students to highlight key points, jot down questions in the margins, or underline words they don’t understand. These little actions can make a big difference in how well they comprehend the material.

How to Encourage Active Reading:

- Annotating Texts: Teach students how to annotate by circling unfamiliar words or writing down their thoughts in the margins.
- Ask Questions: Encourage them to ask themselves questions while reading, such as “What is the main idea here?” or “What do I think will happen next?”
- Make Predictions: Pausing to predict what might happen next helps keep students engaged and thinking critically.

6. Use Repetition and Rereading

There’s a reason why we often hear the phrase “practice makes perfect." Repetition is key to learning any new skill, and reading comprehension is no exception.

Have students reread passages multiple times, focusing on different aspects each time. The first read might be about getting the gist, the second about vocabulary, and the third about deeper comprehension. Every time they read, they’ll pick up something new.

Effective Use of Repetition:

- Close Reading: Encourage multiple readings of the same text, focusing on different elements each time (e.g., vocabulary, structure, theme).
- Echo Reading: Read a passage aloud and have the students repeat after you.
- Repeated Reading: Have students read a passage several times to build fluency and comprehension.

7. Foster a Love for Reading

Finally, foster a love for reading. This sounds obvious, but it’s often overlooked in the rush to meet academic goals. If students enjoy reading, they’ll naturally become more engaged, which will lead to better comprehension over time.

Introduce books that are culturally relevant or personally interesting to the student. Give them choices, let them explore different genres, and allow reading to be a fun, enjoyable activity rather than a chore.

Ways to Foster a Love for Reading:

- Culturally Relevant Texts: Offer books that reflect the students' own cultures or experiences.
- Choice: Let students pick what they want to read from a selection of leveled books.
- Reading for Fun: Incorporate free reading time where students can read anything they find enjoyable.

Conclusion

Supporting English Language Learners with reading comprehension can seem like a tall order, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely achievable. By focusing on building vocabulary, using visuals, activating prior knowledge, scaffolding the reading process, encouraging active reading, using repetition, and fostering a love for reading, you can help ELLs not only improve their reading comprehension skills but also develop a lifelong passion for reading.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Every learner is different, and it might take some trial and error to find out which strategies work best for your students. But with patience and persistence, you’ll be amazed at the progress they can make.