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Reading is crucial for all kids in order to improve their reading comprehension, literacy, and language skills.  Research demonstrates that kids are more engaged when they read books that they can relate to, especially if the books connect to their heritage or cultural background.  It is important to note that not all books about Spanish-speaking individuals are relevant to all … Read More

Laws and policies play a huge role in the education system at the federal, state, and local levels.  These laws come straight from the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice. Further, there are some laws that are specific to English Learners.  Take a look at some of these laws and how they affect English Learners. Services for the Educationally Disadvantaged … Read More

Adult English Language Learners (ELLs), experience the same stresses, difficulties, and anxieties that young ELLs do, but at times can have tougher experiences as they have more concrete knowledge in their native or first language.  Additionally, adult ELLs have greater responsibilities and issues dealing with work, family, and life occupying their minds. Oftentimes it is thought that adult ELLs need … Read More

School districts and educators know the importance of an equitable learning environment.  However, every school district has unique obstacles to overcome, and every single student has unique needs.  Educators often influence factors that allow for these inequities to continue; therefore, not all inequities can be solved by educators in the classroom setting.  However, there are principals, which can guide any … Read More

English Learners (ELs) face exclusive challenges when trying to learn English and navigate the United States (U.S.) school system. Due to languages barriers, it is oftentimes difficult to recognize if ELLs are having trouble in school.  Take a look at 3 signs of a learning delay with ELs. 1) Not Making Progress in School ELs who aren’t making progress in … Read More

Phonics is a critical part of Language Arts and is taught more extensively in grades pre-K to third grade.  After fourth grade, it is assumed that students have already learned the crucial phonics skill needed to succeed in school.  However, for ELLs who began learning English after fourth grade, they more than likely do not have the phonetic skills necessary … Read More

The concept of biliteracy can be described as the ability to proficiently read and write in two languages.  In order to be considered a biliterate, people must demonstrate that they are fluent in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages.  Most typically, biliterate students already have said skills in their native language and are acquiring a second language.  Typically, … Read More

Fun with Abcs: A Bilingual Book for Vocabulary Development Dual language programs instruct both monolingual and bilingual children in an immersive two-language classroom setting.  Oftentimes, children in dual language programs have monolingual parents. Said parents sometimes feel that they are unable to assist their children with homework or other school-related issues.  However, we’re here to share that monolingual parents can … Read More

Learning a new language is a process.  Most of the time, we learn to speak a language without even thinking about how we actually acquired said language skills.  But, when it comes to learning a new or second language, the process might be a little bit more complicated.  Truthfully, the way that anyone develops a new or second language depends … Read More

By nature, children have an easy time learning to speak more than one language simultaneously.  Most often, children have a better understanding of one language over another – this is known as the dominant language.  Over time, children can find that their dominant language has changed. For instance, many bilingual preschoolers’ first language is Spanish.  Once they enter preschool and … Read More