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Incorporating Hi-Lo Reading into Multilingual Classrooms: A Guide for TESOL Instructors

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) involves balancing language skill development with engaging and comprehensible materials. Hi-Lo (high-interest, low-readability) books provide a powerful tool for TESOL instructors to support their learners in mastering English through enjoyable and accessible reading experiences. Here’s how Hi-Lo reading can enhance your TESOL classroom:

Key Benefits of Hi-Lo Reading In TESOL Classrooms

  • Building Vocabulary in Context
    Hi-Lo books introduce vocabulary within relatable and high-interest stories, allowing ESL students to learn new words in meaningful contexts. This helps solidify understanding and makes vocabulary acquisition more effective than isolated word lists.
  • Improving Reading Fluency
    With their simplified sentence structures and clear pacing, Hi-Lo books enable multi-lingual learners to practice reading aloud, building their confidence and fluency in spoken English. These books can be used for group read-alongs or individual practice sessions.
  • Boosting Confidence Through Accessibility
    Many multi-lingual learners feel intimidated by traditional English texts. Hi-Lo books meet learners where they are, offering age-appropriate content at a readability level they can manage. Success with these texts encourages further exploration of the English language.
  • Fostering Cultural Understanding
    Hi-Lo books often feature themes that explore real-world scenarios and cultural topics, helping multi-lingual learners navigate life in English-speaking environments. These narratives provide context for idiomatic expressions and cultural nuances.
  • Encouraging Independent Practice Hi-Lo books are ideal for self-directed learning. TESOL instructors can assign them as supplemental reading, empowering students to practice at their own pace and revisit challenging passages for deeper comprehension.
  • Adapting to Multilevel Classrooms TESOL classrooms often have students with varying proficiency levels. Hi-Lo books cater to a wide range of skills, making it easy for instructors to personalize lessons and address individual learning needs.
  • Facilitating Discussion and Writing Activities Hi-Lo books provide excellent prompts for speaking and writing exercises. After reading, students can discuss story themes, summarize plots, or even write alternative endings, reinforcing their comprehension and expression skills.
  • Promoting Lifelong Reading Habits Hi-Lo reading introduces students to the joy of storytelling while improving their language skills. By fostering a love for reading, instructors can inspire learners to continue exploring English texts beyond the classroom.

Incorporate The Way I See It Series into Your TESOL Classroom

one

Select Appropriate Titles

  • Choose books that address themes relevant to your learners’ experiences, such as navigating challenges, cultural understanding, or personal growth.
  • Match titles to your learners' English proficiency levels to ensure content is accessible yet stimulating.
two

Utilize Free Reading Guides

  • Build background knowledge and introduce key vocabulary.
  • Reinforce understanding of the text through discussion questions.
  • Focus on words and phrases essential for everyday communication.
  • Identify and discuss idioms and the role they play in interpreting and analyzing text.
  • Discover technical terms related to specific settings, themes, or activities.
three

Integrate Active Learning Techniques

  • Use the books as a basis for pair or group reading to encourage peer collaboration and communication.
  • Create dialogue exercises by adapting the book’s content into conversational practice.
  • Incorporate listening activities where learners follow along as a teacher or peer reads aloud.
four

Encourage Cultural Exchange

  • Discuss the book’s themes to draw connections between the learners' cultures and the diverse cultural viewpoints in the books.
  • Use reflective prompts from the reading guides to facilitate discussions on personal perspectives and shared experiences.
five

Engage In Post Reading Activities

After completing a chapter or a book facilitate::

  • Comprehension & Engagement: Use free reading guides to reinforce understanding and spark discussions. Create interview questions for characters, explore potential answers, and analyze their reasoning.
  • Creative Expression: Write journal entries or letters from a character's perspective, craft a digital slideshow on plot or themes, or compose song lyrics about a character's journey.
  • Critical Thinking & Reflection: Interview someone with a different perspective than your own, share insights, and compare/contrast them to the book's themes.
three

Measure and Assess Progress

  • Track learners’ progress using the reading guide’s comprehension questions.
  • Conduct informal assessments, such as group discussions or short presentations based on the book.
  • Assess comprehension through engagement in and successful completion of activities, projects and through collaborative learning opportunities.

The Way I See It Series

The series is particularly effective in TESOL settings because it combines relatable stories with controlled vocabulary and sentence structures, making it ideal for language learners. Its themes resonate across diverse cultural backgrounds, fostering engagement and empathy.

The free reading guides provide turnkey resources for educators, reducing preparation time while enhancing lesson quality.

Incorporating The Way I See It series into your TESOL program will not only improve learners’ English skills but also build their confidence and enthusiasm for reading.

The Way I See It series

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