Which instructional method would best support English learners during reading activities?

Providing scaffolding through visual and contextual aids is highly effective for supporting English learners during reading activities. This approach facilitates comprehension by linking new information with visual elements such as pictures, diagrams, or graphic organizers, which help to clarify meaning and provide context. Contextual aids, such as real-life examples and situations, help learners make connections with their prior knowledge, enhancing their understanding. This method addresses the challenges that English learners may face due to limited language proficiency, enabling them to engage with the text more fully.

In contrast, while silent reading periods may promote vocabulary expansion, they do not offer the necessary support for comprehension, particularly for learners who may struggle to grasp language without contextual assistance. Peer collaboration can be beneficial, but it may not provide the targeted guidance that many English learners require. Using only English resources can create additional barriers for those who are still acquiring the language, limiting their accessibility to texts and concepts. Thus, incorporating scaffolding strategies is the most effective method for fostering comprehension and supporting English learners in their reading activities.