Phonics Strategies to Support Multilingual Learners in the Classroom

n classrooms filled with diverse languages and accents, teaching phonics can sometimes feel like trying to conduct a symphony without sheet music. The challenge? Helping multilingual learners master the sounds and letters of English while honoring their unique linguistic backgrounds.  

The solution lies in differentiation. The answer lies in differentiation, the process of tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners. Let's explore some strategies for differentiating phonics instruction for multilingual learners (MLLs) and how programs like Phonics, Reading, and Me can support this journey. 

Why Differentiation Matters for Multilingual Learners 

Phonics instruction is all about connecting sounds (phonemes) to written symbols (graphemes). For students who are learning English as an additional language, mastering these connections can be more complex. Not only are they learning a new set of sounds and symbols, but they are also doing so in a language that may have different rules from their own. For example, while English has 44 phonemes, other languages may have more, fewer, or different sounds altogether. Multilingual learners bring unique linguistic backgrounds that can either help or hinder their phonics learning, depending on how instruction is approached. 

Differentiation ensures that instruction is accessible and effective for all students. For multilingual learners, this might mean extra scaffolding, visual aids, or more explicit teaching of sounds that don’t exist in their home language. And it’s not just about making phonics easier—it’s about making it meaningful. When we differentiate, we create a learning environment where multilingual learners can thrive alongside their peers. 

Understanding the Multilingual Learner’s Perspective 

To effectively differentiate phonics instruction, it’s essential to understand the unique challenges that multilingual learners face: 

1. Phonemic Awareness: Many MLLs may struggle with phonemic awareness—the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in spoken language—because the sounds in English may not exist in their native language. For example, a student who speaks Spanish may struggle with distinguishing between /v/ and /b/, which sound more similar in their home language. 

2. Language Transfer: Learners may try to apply rules from their first language to English. This can sometimes help but can also lead to confusion, especially when the phonics rules differ between the two languages. 

3. Vocabulary Gaps: Even if an MLL can sound out a word correctly, they may not know what it means. Phonics instruction alone won’t bridge that gap—explicit vocabulary instruction is crucial. 

4. Cultural Context: If phonics lessons are tied to cultural references unfamiliar to MLLs, students might feel disconnected from the content. That’s why using culturally responsive materials can make a world of difference. 

Strategies for Differentiating Phonics Instruction 

Now that we understand some of the unique needs of multilingual learners, let’s dive into practical ways to differentiate phonics instruction. 

1. Scaffold Instruction 

When teaching phonics to multilingual learners, scaffolding is essential. Scaffolding involves breaking learning into smaller, more manageable chunks and providing support at each step. For example: 

• Use visuals to help students connect sounds to letters. A picture of a cat next to the letter C can help MLLs make the connection between the letter and the sound. 
• Incorporate gestures or actions when teaching sounds. For example, when teaching the /s/ sound, a snake-like motion with your hand can help students remember the sound. 
• Provide sentence frames or sentence starters when students are practicing new phonics skills in writing or speaking. 

With Phonics, Reading, and Me, scaffolding is built into every lesson. Each lesson offers below, on, and above-level supports, ensuring that multilingual learners get the targeted help they need. Whether it’s through decoding support or articulation practice, multilingual students are given the tools to succeed at their own pace. 

2. Leverage Multisensory Approaches 

Multilingual learners benefit from engaging multiple senses in phonics instruction. This means incorporating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities to help students make connections between sounds and letters. For example: 

• Have students trace letters in sand or on paper as they say the corresponding sound aloud. 
• Use songs or chants to help students remember letter-sound relationships. 
• Engage students in games that require movement, like hopping to different letters on the floor to form words. 

These multisensory approaches not only make learning more fun but also reinforce learning through multiple modalities, making it stick. 

3. Incorporate Culturally Relevant Texts 

Culturally responsive teaching is a powerful way to engage multilingual learners. Using texts that reflect students’ backgrounds and experiences makes learning more relatable and increases motivation. When students see themselves in the stories they read, they’re more likely to connect with the material, boosting both engagement and comprehension. 

With Phonics, Reading, and Me, students get a cohesive learning experience as they read rich print and digital texts. These texts aren’t just random; they’re organized sequentially to build phonics skills around engaging, relatable topics. Themes such as community, animals, and jobs allow students to explore the world while developing their phonics skills—whether they're decoding words about a busy farm or learning the jobs that make a community thrive. This thematic learning helps multilingual learners make real-world connections that deepen their understanding of language. 

4. Explicitly Teach Vocabulary 

Phonics instruction and vocabulary development go hand in hand, especially for multilingual learners. Don’t assume that once students can sound out a word, they know what it means. Take time to explicitly teach new vocabulary words, using pictures, examples, and translations if necessary. 

For example, if the phonics lesson is focusing on the sound /sh/, and the word shop is used, be sure to explain what a shop is, show a picture, and even connect it to a similar word in the student’s native language if appropriate. 

5. Provide Ongoing Assessment and Feedback 

Assessment is key to knowing whether or not your differentiation strategies are working. Regular formative assessments—like quick phonics check-ins or having students read aloud—can help you gauge how well multilingual learners are progressing. Use this data to adjust your instruction as needed. 

In addition to assessment, give students specific feedback on their phonics skills. Let them know what they’re doing well and what they need to work on. Positive reinforcement, especially for multilingual learners, can boost confidence and motivation. 

The Power of Differentiation 

Differentiating phonics instruction for multilingual learners isn’t just a strategy—it’s a necessity. With the right scaffolding, multisensory approaches, and culturally relevant content, teachers can create an inclusive classroom where all students can achieve literacy success.  

That’s where programs like Phonics, Reading, and Me come in. This program is designed to meet students where they are, prescribing different paths for each skill while providing multilingual learner supports that ensure success. Whether students need help with decoding, articulation, or vocabulary, Phonics, Reading, and Me has the tools to help them thrive.