Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Early Childhood Practice Exam

To support oral language skills of English Language Learners during story discussions, what should the teacher do?

1. preteach key vocabulary and make prior knowledge connections

2. have students repeat the teacher's questions before responding

3. hold separate discussions for English Language Learners

4. give feedback on their progress in English language production

The correct answer is: preteach key vocabulary and make prior knowledge connections

Preteaching key vocabulary and making prior knowledge connections is essential for supporting the oral language skills of English Language Learners (ELLs). This approach helps to create a foundation upon which students can build their understanding and engage more effectively in discussions. When teachers introduce important vocabulary ahead of time, they reduce the cognitive load during the actual discussion, allowing ELLs to focus on comprehension and expression rather than struggling with unfamiliar words. Additionally, making connections to prior knowledge assists ELLs in relating new information to what they already know, enabling deeper understanding and retention of concepts. This approach fosters a more inclusive environment by ensuring that all students can participate meaningfully in discussions, enhancing both their language development and content comprehension. Engaging ELLs in these ways can significantly increase their confidence and ability to express their thoughts, ultimately leading to more productive language interactions within the classroom setting.