Mod 16 Discussion: Modifications for the Second Language Learner

When considering modifications for second language learners (ELLs), it’s essential to focus on providing scaffolding and support to ensure access to content while promoting language development. The following considerations, in addition to those already mentioned in the book Selecting and Modifying Materials to Differentiate, are specifically relevant to second language learners:

1. Language Simplification and Clarification: Simplify language in texts and instructions without diluting the content. Second language learners may struggle with complex sentence structures, idiomatic expressions, and advanced vocabulary. Modifying language helps make the material more accessible without reducing academic rigor.

2. Scaffolded Language Support: Modification Consideration: Use scaffolds like sentence starters, word banks, and graphic organizers to support language learners. Providing scaffolds helps ELLs engage with the content and promotes language development by offering structures for them to build upon as they learn.