Why Focus on All Four Domains?
Every multilingual learner needs consistent opportunities to listen, speak, read, and write in English in order to grow. Unfortunately, many classrooms unintentionally neglect one or more of these skills. Beth Vaucher, founder of Inspiring Young Learners, shares how integrating routines around these four domains ensures not only balanced instruction but also supports student confidence and engagement.
“When we bring a lesson together and hit on all four domains—that’s where the magic happens.”
Routine #1: Listening That Builds Comprehension
Listening is often assumed but rarely explicitly taught. Beth emphasizes pre-listening routines as the key to strengthening comprehension. Use tools like Immersive Reader, YouTube read-alouds, or translation features to help students build background knowledge before diving into a lesson. Listening first reduces anxiety and helps students mentally prepare for academic content.
Routine #2: Speaking Every Day with Picture Prompts
Daily speaking doesn’t have to be high-pressure. A fun and effective way to boost oral language skills is to use daily picture prompts. Students observe, describe, connect, or compare images—building vocabulary while practicing academic discourse. This routine is flexible across grade levels and easily scalable for all language proficiencies.
“Speaking builds confidence. Confidence builds communication.”
Routine #3: Reading Through Intentional Vocabulary Front-Loading
Front-loading vocabulary isn’t new—but doing it strategically is a game-changer. Focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 words, using images and definitions to support deeper comprehension. Beth advises limiting the number of vocabulary terms (about six per text or unit) to keep instruction focused and impactful. Look for words with roots, prefixes, or suffixes to extend learning even further.
Routine #4: Writing with “Strengthen a Sentence”
Writing is often the last skill to develop and the hardest for students to enjoy. That’s where the “Strengthen a Sentence” routine comes in. Students write one sentence based on a shared prompt or image, then pass it to a peer to add or revise. After a few rounds, they’ll see how much a single sentence can evolve—and they’ll feel more confident in their writing skills.
“We’re not chasing 5-paragraph essays. We’re building sentence variety and clarity—one sentence at a time.”
How to Pull It All Together: The 4-Domain Lesson Model
The episode ends with a practical model lesson that integrates all four domains using one anchor resource (like a book, video, or podcast). Students first listen, then discuss, then read or practice vocabulary, and finally respond in writing. This cohesive format not only simplifies planning but also reinforces language skills in a meaningful, contextual way.
Bonus: Free Resources + Episode 200 Giveaway!
To celebrate the upcoming 200th episode on October 24th, Equipping ELLs is hosting a massive giveaway. Every week, five winners will receive a $20 TpT gift card, and one lucky listener will win a $200 Amazon gift card! To enter, simply leave a review, screenshot it, and send it via DM on Instagram (@equippingELLs) or email hello@equippingells.com.
Need support for implementing these routines? Check out the Unlocking Language Through Read Alouds resource, which includes vocabulary cards, conversation prompts, scaffolded writing tasks, and more—aligned to the very model Beth shares in this episode.
Start small. Stay consistent. Watch your ELLs thrive.
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We all know that teaching isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be this hard. Equipping ELLs is a podcast for both ESL specialists and homeroom teachers who are looking for effective and engaging ways to support their English Language Learners without adding to their endless to-do list. Tune in each week to hear tips, strategies, and inspirational stories that will empower you to better reach your ELL students, equip them with life-long skills, and strengthen relationships with colleagues and parents.
Your host, Beth Vaucher, is the founder of Inspiring Young Learners. She is an ESL certified homeroom teacher with over 10 years of experience teaching in the US and internationally. Her background of M.Ed in ESL and Curriculum and Instruction combined with her experience has led her to develop a bestselling newcomer curriculum that has sold in over 90 countries around the globe. She brings a different perspective to teaching ELLs from her years teaching and living abroad and working with ELLs from around the world. You will walk away from each episode with the ideas and tools you need to transform your experience as a teacher and cultivate a thriving and welcoming environment for your ELL students
