ELD Strategies Book Review Part Two:Making Content Comprehensible for English Learners-The SIOP Model

In a previous post, we provided an overview of the SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol) model of sheltered instruction and English Language Development, or ELD. If you haven't read the first post, you might want to read it here before reading part 2.

In our last post, we provided an overview of the eight SIOP components, and briefly summarized the following components of SIOP:

• Lesson Preparation
• Building Background
• Comprehensible Input

In this post, we'll summarize the remaining five components of the SIOP model of instruction for English learners. 

Strategies

The strategies component emphasizes the following features: 1) metacognitive, cognitive, and social affective learning strategies; 2) verbal and instructional scaffolding techniques; and, 3) higher-order questioning.

Interaction

The interaction component is an essential feature of effective instruction for English learners, because students who are learning a second language need multiple opportunities to practice a second language with peers. The following features of interaction are discussed: 1) multiple opportunities to practice all four language domains (i.e., listening, speaking, reading and writing); 2) various grouping configurations (e.g., whole group, flexible small group, heterogeneous, homogeneous, partners, etc); 3) sufficient wait time; and, 4) clarification of key concepts in students' primary language.

Practice/Application

The practice and application component emphasizes the following features: 1) hands-on practice of learning with manipulatives or meaningful activities; 2) integration of all four language domains; and, 3) application of new learning in multiple ways.

Lesson Delivery

SIOP's lesson delivery component ensures that the following features are present in effective lesson design and delivery: 1) content and language objectives are supported during the lesson; 2) students are actively engaged in the lesson; and, 3) the lesson pacing is appropriate (i.e., not too fast, not too slow).

Review/Assessment

The review and assessment component emphasizes the review of key concepts and vocabulary. In addition, effective review and assessment consists of immediate, corrective feedback to students as well as formative and summative assessment.

If you are a teacher who is just starting out and learning about ELD and sheltered instruction, or if you are a teacher who has been around the block for a while...this book is applicable to you. The book packages all of the effective components of sheltered instruction in order to assist teachers in implementing quality ELD lessons for students. Purchase a copy today-you will not be disappointed!