1. What are the levels of
English Language
Learners (ELLs)?
Hannah Williams
EDIM 510
2. Level 1: ENTERING
Ten hours to six months
The “Silent Period”
Pointing, gestures, and
yes/no answers are Image Source:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42672607@N05/5885010866/sizes/m/
common
3. Level 2: BEGINNING
Up to six months after
Level 1
1,000 word vocabulary
One or two word
phrases Image Source:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/56155476@N08/6660126951/sizes/m/
4. Level 3: DEVELOPING
Up to 1 year after
Level 2
3,000 word vocabulary
Dialogue and simple
questions are used
Image Source:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25373834@N08/2475580517/sizes/m/
5. Level 4: EXPANDING
Up to 1 year after
Level 3
6,000 word vocabulary
Complex statements
and opinions are used
Image Source:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/judybaxter/3058701315/sizes/m/
6. Level 5: BRIDGING
Takes 5-7 years to reach
Students participate fully in
classroom activities
Image Source:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/berkeleylab/4863700123/sizes/z/
Students’ vocabulary and
grammar are comparable
to native speakers’.
7. How can I support
ELLs?
Slow down and
articulate
Use lots of gestures,
visuals, and graphics
Provide more wait time
Be encouraging,
supportive, reassuring,
patient, and positive! Image Source:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nscds/8033995879/sizes/m/
Editor's Notes
This Entering Level may be very short or very long, depending on the student. It is often referred to as the “silent period”, as students are often just soaking up the language, rather than actually speaking. Students will use a lot of gestures as they don’t yet have the English to communicate.
The Beginning Level lasts an additional six months after Level 1. Students have up to 1,000 words that they use and can understand. Students should now be able to speak in one to two word phrases.
Students at the Devleoping Level may remain in this level for an additional year after Level 2. They now have a 3,000 word vocabulary which they can speak and understand. Students at this stage begin to use dialogue and simple questions.
Students in the Expanding Level may remain at this level for an additional year after Level 3. Students now have 6,000 words that they use and understand. Students in this level can make complex statements, state their opinions, ask for clarification, and speak at greater length.
It typically takes students 5-7 years to reach the Bridging Level. At this level, students can participate in grade level classroom activities and are comparable to native English speakers. It is at this Bridging Level that students exit the ESL program.