English Language Learners and the Five Essential Components of
Reading Instruction Find out how teachers can play to the
strengths and shore up the weaknesses of English Language
Learners in each of the Reading First content areas. In this
article: This article provides recommendations and
considerations for instruction of ELLs within each of the
Reading First components. It should be kept in mind, however,
that the Reading First components did not originate from studies
including ELLs, and that despite research indicating a need for
native language instruction, any discussion within the context
of Reading First is about teaching ELLs to read in English. 1.
Phonemic awareness Phonemes are the smallest units making up
spoken language. English consists of about 41 phonemes. Phonemes
combine to form syllables and words. For example, the word stop
has four phonemes (s-t-o-p), while shop has three phonemes (sh-
o-p). Phonemic awareness refers to the ability to identify and
manipulate these phonemes in spoken words.