What Can My ELLs Do?

Grade Level Cluster K-2A Quick Reference Guide for Planning Instructional Tasks for

English Language Learners

What Can My ELLs Do?Language Functions from the WIDA Standards Framework

The following tables list language behaviors that can be expected from English Language Learners at each level of language development. All of these language functions are from the WIDA standards framework for classroom instruction.

Teachers may wish to post these lists as a quick reference to aid in differentiation when planning.

What Can My ELLs Do? Remember: Comprehension precedes Production.

At lower levels of language proficiency, the skills related to listening and reading are listed before those related to speaking and writing. At upper levels, less cognitively demanding skills are listed first.

Teachers will want to incorporate all four language domains in planning for instruction. However, when introducing new content, it is beneficial to first assign tasks that develop comprehension. Speaking and writing tasks should follow, with the most cognitively demanding language functions assigned last.

Grade Level Cluster K-2Level 1

• Respond non- verbally • Match• Make collections • Make collages• Sort • Track print• Draw or dictate• Sequence

• Identify objects or

pictures• Label objects or pictures• Position objects to

illustrate

• Comprehend school rules

• Follow oral directions with visual clues

• Ask and give permission

• Participate in group recitations

• State name, age, phone numbers

• Produce icons or letters• Associate body parts

with senses

Grade Level Cluster K-2Level 2

Level 1 functions and…

• Match voice to print • Match pictures to

sequence words • Respond in 1-2

words • Interact in small

groups • Role play

• State school rules• Produce symbols and

words• Categorize

characteristics • Compare

characteristics or measurements

• Distinguish uses or origins of items

Grade Level Cluster K-2Level 3

Level 1 and 2 functions and…

• Estimate • Cross check • Categorize• Classify • Journal• Indicate interests or

preferences • Converse socially• Produce phrases or

sentences

• Give examples of ___• Describe features of

objects• Describe a series of

activities• Describe uses and

functions• Make suggestions based

on visuals

Grade Level Cluster K-2Level 4

• Level 1-3 functions and …

• Use maps • Find locations• Classify activities • Use comparatives• Re-enact• Tell how to play

games• Describe and share

experiences

• Persuade peers• Produce a sequence

for making something• Describe and defend

preferences• Explain why ____ is

useful• Discuss importance

of _______

Grade Level Cluster K-2Level 5

• Levels 1-4 functions and …• Complete or produce

maps• Match visuals with

written descriptions• Choose appropriate

unit of measurement• Follow written

directions• Sequence short

paragraphs• Interpret effects• Predict a reaction to a

problem

• Anticipate next word or phrase

• Explain how-to• Explain consequences• Participate in academic

discussions• Produce illustrated stories• Produce and organize word

patterns• Negotiate • Evaluate