English Language Arts Standards or ELA Standards are a set of guidelines established by the Department of Education as part of Common Core. These standards are put in place to promote literacy skills and other concepts such as writing, speaking, and listening. ELA standards aim at promoting college and career readiness. About ELA Standards The College and Career Readiness Anchor … Read More
Academic Vocabulary and the Common Core
Academic vocabulary is vocabulary that is used in academic settings such as in classrooms and seminars. As academic vocabulary is used in instruction, texts, and assignments, it is pertinent for English Learners (ELs) to acquire knowledge of these words in order to succeed in school. Teachers have to tie academic vocabulary with the Common Core standards approved by the Department … Read More
3 Best Bilingual Preschool Books
Preschool-aged English Learners (ELs) are at the perfect age for learning a new language. Learning a new language can easily be accomplished with the use of bilingual books. In addition to learning English or another second language, bilingual books help strengthen and reinforce Spanish or ELs’ native languages. In this day and age where bilingualism and multilingualism are held in … Read More
Multicultural Stories for a Dual Language Classroom
Multicultural stories are great tools to use in dual language classrooms. English Language Learners (ELLs) and Dual Language Learners (DLLs) can relate to the stories being told, in turn, ELL and DLL students will be more inclined to read the book. Further, multicultural stories, especially bilingual books, ELL and DLL students are better able to understand and comprehend what they are … Read More
5 Research based Writing Prompts for Elementary ELLs
Learning how to speak and read is interconnected with learning how to write. Writing is a skill that can be honed through writing prompts. For many English Language Learners (ELLs), they may need additional practice to put their thoughts into writing. That is why it is encouraged for ELL students to make the connection between speaking, reading, and writing as early … Read More
Building Blocks for Academic Success
School administrators and teachers know that there are certain topics and skills that students should master throughout their educational journey. They understand that these building blocks are the foundation for academic success and beyond. Building blocks for academic success include the development of social, motivational, emotional and cognitive skills. School readiness is often associated with academic building blocks, which are certain … Read More
Vocabulary – A Key Indicator for School Success
Research shows that there is a positive and strong correlation between vocabulary and academic success. Further, having a strong vocabulary is necessary for reading and reading is necessary in order to achieve academic success. Teachers working with English Learners (ELs) have an additional barrier to overcome, as EL students have little to no prior vocabulary in English. However, there are several … Read More
Title III — A Focus on Reaching out to Families for Family Literacy
Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides funding to school districts that can be used towards creating programs that encourage family literacy among English Language Learners (ELLs). The initiatives funded by Title III help to improve the language and literacy skills of ELLs, in turn, lead to English language proficiency. Family literacy activities build and enhance literacy … Read More
3 Easy Ways to Help Young Readers to Make Inferences
Inferences are made based on what children know from their own experiences. When young readers are able to comprehend implied information, it helps to improve their reading skills and ability to make inferences, along with coming to conclusions. This skill plays an important role in the academic development and success of students throughout their school experience and life. Being able to make inferences … Read More
An Overview of Dual Language Standards Grades K-3
Dual Language programs have proven to be the best method for promoting bilingualism and biliteracy among English Language Learners (ELLs). The main goal of Dual Language programs is to develop fluency and literacy in English, as well as in an additional language, which is typically Spanish. Additionally, Dual Language programs help promote biculturalism, which fosters an appreciation for different cultures. Dual … Read More