Teaching English Language Learners requires constant differentiation — simplified texts, visual supports, vocabulary scaffolding, and translated materials. AI handles the heavy lifting so you can focus on the students.

Scaffolding Prompts

Simplify academic text:

“Rewrite this passage at a [WIDA level 1-2 / beginner] English proficiency level. Keep the key concepts but use simpler vocabulary and shorter sentences. Add context clues for academic vocabulary.”

Create visual vocabulary cards:

“For these 10 vocabulary words from our [subject] unit: [list]. Create a vocabulary card for each with: the word, a simple definition (under 10 words), the word used in a sentence, and a description of a visual that would help an ELL student understand it.”

Sentence frames:

“Create sentence frames for [activity/discussion topic] at 3 proficiency levels. Level 1 (entering): fill-in-the-blank with word bank. Level 2 (emerging): partial sentence starters. Level 3 (developing): open-ended prompts with academic vocabulary.”

Content Area Support

Math word problems for ELLs:

“Rewrite these math word problems for ELL students at [proficiency level]. Simplify the language without changing the math. Remove cultural references that might confuse newcomers. Add visual cues where possible.”

Science lab instructions:

“Rewrite these lab instructions for ELL students. Use numbered steps, simple vocabulary, and include a visual description for each step. Add a word bank of key science terms with simple definitions.”

Parent Communication

Translated parent letter:

“Write a parent letter about [topic] in simple English that can be easily translated. Use short sentences, common vocabulary, and avoid idioms. Include key dates and action items in a bulleted list.”

AI can also translate directly, though you should have a native speaker verify important communications.

Assessment Modifications

Building a Multilingual Classroom Library

AI helps you find and create resources in students’ home languages:

“I have ELL students who speak [languages]. Create a list of 5 activities I can use to honor their home languages in my [grade] [subject] classroom. These should be academically meaningful — not just ‘teach the class to count to 10 in Spanish.’ Include activities that leverage their bilingualism as a strength.”

The Parent Communication Challenge

Communicating with families who speak limited English is one of the hardest parts of teaching ELLs:

“Write a parent letter about [topic — e.g., upcoming field trip, reading expectations, conference scheduling] for a family with limited English proficiency. Use simple, clear language (no idioms, no jargon). Include a visual schedule or checklist where possible. Note: I’ll use Google Translate for the final version, so keep sentences short and direct — complex sentences translate poorly.”

“Modify this assessment for an ELL student at [proficiency level]. Options: add a word bank, include visual supports, reduce the number of questions while maintaining rigor, or allow for shorter written responses with sentence frames.”

Quick Overview

Prompt Element	Why It Matters
Role/context	Gives AI the right perspective
Specific details	Reduces generic output
Format instructions	Gets usable results first try
Constraints	Keeps output focused and practical

Related reading: AI Differentiated Instruction · AI Literacy Gap · AI Vocabulary Activities

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