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Figure 2
Reading Conference Sheet for Language Development
Student Name ________________________________

Language Level: (current level of language)
ENT: Entering (beginning), EMERG: Emerging (low intermediate), TRAN: Transitioning (high
intermediate), EXPAN: Expanding (beginning to advance), COMM: Commanding (Proficient)
Domain Focus: Select the language domain you are working on

Language Observations: What I noticed in one of the language domains
L (Listening), S (Speaking), R (Reading), W (Writing).

Select Next Instructional Reading Strategy:
C (Conference), GR (Guided Reading), SL (Strategy Lesson)

Date: Language Reading Strategy Next instructional
Observations taught reading strategy
Current Language Level:
ENT, EMERG, TRAN, C GR SL
EXPAN, COMM

Domain Focus:
L, S, R, W
Date Language Reading Strategy Next instructional
Observations taught reading strategy
Language Level:
ENT, EMERG, TRAN, C GR SL
EXPAN, COMM

Domain Focus:
L, S, R, W
Date Language Reading Strategy Next instructional
Observations taught reading strategy
Language Level:
ENT, EMERG, TRAN,
EXPAN, COMM
C GR SL
Domain Focus:
L, S, R, W

Writing
As with reading, learning to write in the language of instruction is likely to be
a greater challenge for older ELs who lack this skill in their first or home language.
Even teachers of SIFEs, however, can assist learners to improve their English
writing using strategies such as the following:
• Using pictures as prompts for story writing;
• Encouraging phonetic spelling to reduce impediments to writing in English;
• Using word banks to support paragraph writing;
• Using pre-taught vocabulary words to complete a cloze-type paragraph and
gradually progressing to include additional facts, descriptions, and relevant
details. (Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, 2022)
Writing, like speaking, is a productive skill, and student writing samples (efforts)
provide teachers with direct evidence of what they have learned and of the areas or
aspects of language that remain challenging for them. This evidence can be used to
track progress and identify challenges. In this regard, once again, the use of tracking

Educators’ Choice 19