The English language, or any language for that matter, is comprised of many subtle, interacting, and overlapping components. When it comes to language acquisition, both written and spoken language possess distinct but related attributes and skillsets. This is where phonics and phonemic awareness come into play. Phonics Phonics describes the relationship between written symbols (letters) and sounds. When your child … Read More
How Can Parents Help Kids Maintain Their Home Language and Learn English too?
Research shows that continuing to use home languages alongside their new language acquisition will make the process of learning English faster and easier. One of the first steps you can take is to embrace and celebrate your child’s bilingualism as a strength that will serve them well throughout their lives in our increasingly diverse and multicultural world. Here are two … Read More
What is Multicultural Literature and Why the Importance?
Children are like small sponges. They absorb everything. Books can have the most significant impact on a child’s mind as it allows them to unleash the full power of their imagination. Reading is among the most enduring influences on shaping a child’s social conscience and world view; therefore, it is essential that a child has access to literature that presents … Read More
Common Practices and Values of the Top 6 High Schools
A research team from the Stanford Graduate School of Education released a study last month outlining the common practices and values of the top 6 high schools responsible for having an exemplary record of graduated and career-ready ELLs. The researchers profiled 7 key elements shared by all schools that contributed to their ELL success: Passionate, strategic, mission-driven leadership. Principals, assistant principals, … Read More
California Adopts New Curriculum Framework for English Learners
The California State Department of Education has adopted a new curriculum framework for English Learners in California, where one quarter of its students are English Learners. California is the first state to combine English language arts and English language development into a curriculum. This video, featured in the Common Core Channel, provides an overview of the English Language Arts/English Language … Read More
Family Engagement with Hispanic Parents
Family Engagement with Hispanic Parents We review research on parent involvement on an ongoing basis. In reviewing the research, major educational studies, and overviews of the evidence, it is clear that parent involvement works and is a powerful determinant in whether or not a child succeeds in school. The overwhelming research also concludes that the collaboration between parents and schools … Read More
Teacher workshops for working with English learners
Lectura Books offers award-winning books and parent programs and provides teacher workshops for working with English learners. Parents are an important piece of the puzzle in our education system but many schools still struggle with how to work with parents, and especially with Spanish-speaking parents. Working with parents can be particularly rewarding when you fully understand the challenges, interests, and … Read More
English Learners in the United States – a Breakdown
The Spanish language is the second most spoken language in the United States after English. There are more Spanish speakers in the U.S. than there are speakers of Chinese, French, German, Italian, Hawaiian, and the Native American languages combined. And analysis of the 2011 American Community Survey by the Pew Research Center found that a record 37.6 million people ages … Read More
Building Home Libraries for English Learners
One of the services provided by Lectura Books is to work with schools to build lending or home libraries for English learners. The beauty of creating a lending library for students and their families is that it will help them to have the appropriate resources for reading and vocabulary building together. It also provides schools with an opportunity to communicate … Read More
Summer Reading and Activities with English Learners
Are you looking for summer reading and activities with English Learners? Below is a list of various books and suggestions to help Spanish speaking kids develop their interest in reading and also learn English at the same time. Many bilingual books can be turned into activities for kids to do with their parents, so that their parents also have the … Read More