What should be the first teaching focus for an ELL student with limited education experience?

Focusing on reading directionally print is crucial for an ELL student with limited education experience because it establishes a foundational skill essential for all literacy development. Understanding the direction in which to read—typically left to right in English—helps the student grasp basic concepts of print, which is vital for moving forward with reading comprehension and fluency.

For students who may not have been exposed to formal education, mastering the physical act of reading and recognizing how text is organized on a page can significantly influence their ability to understand and interpret written material. This foundational skill also paves the way for subsequent literacy skills, such as recognizing letters, words, and sentences, which are critical for effective communication and further academic success.

On the other hand, while resources for materials, finding main ideas, and writing full sentences are also important aspects of literacy, they build upon the basic understanding of print direction. For ELL students starting from a limited educational background, prioritizing reading directionality ensures they have the essential skills needed to engage with more complex literacy tasks effectively.