Which strategy would best support the communication skills of an English Language Learner (ELL) in kindergarten?

Facilitating full participation in peer activities is the most effective strategy to support the communication skills of an English Language Learner (ELL) in kindergarten. Engaging ELLs in interactive peer activities fosters a language-rich environment where they can practice speaking, listening, and understanding English in authentic, real-world contexts. This approach enables learners to communicate with classmates, enhance their vocabulary, and develop crucial social skills, all while receiving natural language modeling from their peers.

Through collaborative activities, ELLs have opportunities to negotiate meaning and practice their communication skills in a supportive environment. This social interaction not only boosts their confidence but also allows them to learn from their peers, which is essential in language acquisition. As they work together, they can help each other understand concepts and practice using new vocabulary in context, which reinforces their learning more effectively than isolated work.

Other strategies, such as designing isolated individual tasks or limiting group work to same-language peers, may hinder the ELL's exposure to English and reduce opportunities for meaningful interaction. Providing extra worksheets might help reinforce vocabulary but does not promote the interactive and conversational practice that is crucial for language development.