Which of the following is a characteristic of K-12 ELL students at the Beginning proficiency level in Listening?

At the Beginning proficiency level in Listening, K-12 ELL students often observe their peers and teachers for cues to understand classroom interactions and instructions, but may not yet feel comfortable or confident enough to ask for clarifications when they do not understand something. This characteristic reflects their limited English language skills, which can lead to hesitance in seeking help, despite their efforts to engage with the learning environment through observation.

As they progress, ELL students may start to request clarifications or actively participate in discussions, but at the Beginning stage, the focus is typically on understanding through observation rather than active engagement in communication. This is a typical phase for many emergent bilinguals as they build foundational listening skills and gradually increase their proficiency.