What Instructional Strategies are Effective for Increasing Vocabulary for English Language Learners in a Preschool Classroom?

The research question addressed in this project is What Instructional Strategies are Effective for Increasing Vocabulary for English Language Learners in a Preschool Classroom? Teaching students who are limited in their understanding of the English language can be a daunting tasks; since students speak their native languages at home, making it difficult for teachers to communicate with them. This topic is significant because there has been a rapid increase in English language learners in the United States with the gap in achievement between ELLs and their English speaking peers. The purpose of the research is to find ways to increase vocabulary development for English language learners in a preschool classroom. The research includes both qualitative and quantitative data that is combined in a single study known to be a mixed methods collection tool, questionnaires from teachers in the field and the early literacy assessment tool (IGDIs). Findings suggest that among these methods are engaging students in rich and varied language experiences and teaching word learning strategies