Using art to communicate is an ancient, international, and powerful practice. Visual art experiences offer opportunities for students who are learning English to express their knowledge in symbolic ways, which builds their personal and academic confidence and their ability to make connections between concepts, images, and texts. For example, if a teacher who is leading a unit on the life … Read More
The Power of Story
We all like to tell stories. We learn how to do it from a very young age, and this ability is unlocked by hearing others do it first. It’s a skill that is best acquired through literacy. Reading inspires our imagination, transporting us to worlds old and new, far and near. It enables us to visit any time period and … Read More
What is Phonics and What is Phonemic Awareness?
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
Barriers to Education for Hispanics in the United States
Hispanics make up the single largest population of immigrants currently living in the United States, with a majority of that group aged 25-62 born outside of the United States. A new public education system can be tough to navigate and newcomers are often at a disadvantage when compared to their U.S born peers of both Hispanic and non-Hispanic descent. From … 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