Differentiation Ideas for Different English Language Proficiency Levels

Teachers often face the challenge of supporting students across various English language proficiency levels within the same classroom. Listenwise provides numerous resources and scaffolds specifically designed for English learners. Here are some strategies to differentiate your assignments for each proficiency level:

Beginner:

1. Share the transcript with students and tell them to use the slowed audio option when listening.
2. For unfamiliar vocabulary, have students use the native language translation and picture dictionary features on the Texthelp toolbar.
3. After listening, focus on helping students understand the gist of the story without worrying about the details. 
4. Use Listenwise ELD lessons, which are specifically designed to support beginner and low intermediate English learners. They include background-building videos, visual supports, and additional scaffolding. 

Intermediate:

1. Share the transcript with students and give them the option to use the slowed audio option if needed.
2. After listening, have students summarize the main idea with supporting details or answer the built-in comprehension question in Listenwise.
3. Provide sentence frames/stems for speaking and writing activities (e.g., “I feel __ because __.”) to encourage and support full sentence answers.

Advanced:

1. Remove the transcript and have students listen at the regular speed.
2. After listening, assign more complex writing activities to students such as opinion essays.
3. Encourage academic speaking practice using academic language with the built-in discussion questions in Listenwise.

Universal Supports: 

• Encourage students to use the Texthelp toolbar for read aloud, dictionary, and translation support.
• Listen multiple times to the story, pausing as needed to ask questions and clarify.
• Use graphic organizers to help students organize their notes and ideas visually.
• Pair students of different English language proficiency levels together for speaking activities to build confidence and language practice.