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Resources & Materials for Teachers
Early Childhood Teachers
Books/Articles:
"One Child, Two Languages: A Guide for Preschool Educators of Children Learning English as a Second Language" by Patton Tabors (1997)
This book contains information to preschool teachers and administrators in developing effective programs for young linguistic backgrounds of second-language learning students. It includes information about the importance of the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of second-language learning children, the course second-language learning is likely to take in preschool-age children, the supportive techniques teachers can use in their classrooms, and the part second-language learners' families may play in linguistic and educational decisions are addressed and integrated into basic knowledge of child development.
"Early Childhood Language Arts: Meeting Diverse Literacy Needs Through Collaboration with Families and Professionals" by Mary Jalongo (2000)
This book provides information on language arts research dealing with emergent literacy, early childhood education, and special education focusing on students with diverse language needs. Each chapter addresses key concepts followed by case study material that demonstrates how teachers, families and professionals work together to promote literacy growth and development.
Websites: Click on the title of the website to take you there!
A free web-based bilingual site for families and educators of English Language Learners. It provides information, activities, books, strategies and advice for reading teachers of grades Pre-K through 12. Colorin Colorado’s mission is to find research-based and best-practice information about teaching reading to English language learners and use the Internet to make it widely available to parents, educators, and policymakers.
Lanternfish ESL is maintained by a group of ESL teachers in Asia and North America. Their aim is to bring printable quality resources to teachers and parents. The webpage includes printable worksheets, flashcards, lesson plans, songs, articles, and games.
Although many preschool classrooms now include children whose first language is not English, teachers may find it challenging to effectively support young children with limited English skills. In e-clip #8, Dr. Ann Anderberg stresses the importance of continuing to support first language development in children, and gives suggestions for assisting these young learners in their acquisition of English. When teachers and parents engage in practices that support oral language development, children can develop strong language skills in both their first and second languages.
Middle Childhood Teachers
Books/Articles:
"Learning and Not Learning English: Latino Students in American Schools" by Guadalupe Valdes (2001)
This book examines the experiences of four Mexican children in American middle schools struggling to learn English. It discusses policy and instructional issues surrounding English language education for immigrant children. The book addresses difficulties surrounding English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching and learning. It also examines issues such as the classroom, starting out, access to English at school, sheltered classes, student progress, and looking to the future.
"Sheltered Content Instruction: Teaching English Language Learners with Diverse Abilities" by Jana Echevarria and Anne Graves (1998)
This book defines “sheltered instruction” and how to successfully implement it in a K-12 classroom. The authors provide practical methods that demonstrate how to implement this type of instruction with a full range of learners. The book gives direction and support needed to undertake the sheltered approach. It also includes case studies and vignettes that illustrate this interaction for the reader.
Websites:
This website focuses on seven teaching strategies for classroom teachers of English Language Learners. The site provides lesson plans, teaching tips, website and book resources, and a blog where people can ask questions and discuss them.
The website offers a large collection of English as a Second Language tools and resources for students, teachers, learners and academics, covering the full spectrum of ESL, EFL, ESOL, and EAP subject areas. This site has handouts and printables, lesson plans and worksheets, articles and blogs, and teacher training handouts.
The webcast below is an introduction to the challenges facing teachers of English language learners in middle and high school. Dr. Short discusses how to teach content to late-entry ELLs to ensure reading comprehension for success in all areas.
Adolescent Young Adult Teachers
Books/Articles:
"Tips for Teaching Middle and High School ELLs" by Michelle Lawrence (2009)
This article discusses the benefits and challenges of working with middle and high school English Language Learners. The article also explains important strategies and tools that teachers can use to enhance instruction for older ELLs.
"Teaching English Language Learners Across the Content Areas" by Judie Haynes and Debbie Zacarian (2010)
In this book, the authors offer strategies, tools, and tips that teachers can use to help ELLs at all levels flourish in mainstream classrooms. This book will show teachers how to determine their ELLs' stages of English language acquisition and modify assignments and assessments in different content areas for ELLs at different stages of language development. All ensure that all ELLs participate fully in lesson activities alongside their English-fluent peers and communicate effectively with parents and guardians of students from diverse cultures. Real-life examples of lessons from elementary, middle, and high school that have been modified for ELLs in language arts, math, science, and social studies classes show how to effectively put the authors' recommendations into practice.
Websites:
This website offers over 8,000 resources including lesson plans, worksheets, audio, video, and flashcards. This website is the world’s number one resource site for English language teachers. All materials are written by the Macmillan Education staff and are organized into core subject areas, such as skills, grammar, vocabulary, etc.
The website provides thousands of pages of free information and resources for teachers and students. All materials are organized by skill and level for quick and easy access. There are links to topics like speaking, grammar, vocabulary, listening, reading, and writing. There are links that allow access to specific materials, textbooks, and resources for teachers.
National Support Organizations for English Language Learners
Center for Applied Linguistics
A private, nonprofit organization working to improve communication through better understanding of language and culture. Established in 1959, CAL is headquartered in Washington, DC. CAL has earned a national and international reputation for its contributions to the fields of bilingual education, English as a second language, literacy, foreign language education, dialect studies, language policy, refugee orientation, and the education of linguistically and culturally diverse adults and children. Staff members conduct research, design and develop language assessments and instructional materials, provide technical assistance and professional development, and disseminate information and resources related to language and culture.
National Association for Bilinguial Education
NABE's mission is to advocate for our nation's Bilingual and English Language Learners and families and to cultivate a multilingual multicultural society by supporting and promoting policy, programs, pedagogy, research and professional development that yield academic success, value native language, lead to English proficiency, and respect cultural and linguistic diversity.
National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisiton
Authorized under Title III of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition & Language Instruction Educational Programs (NCELA) supports the U.S. Department of Education's Office of English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement for Limited English Proficient Students (OELA) in its mission to respond to Title III educational needs, and implement NCLB as it applies to English learners (ELs).
NCELA collects, coordinates, and conveys a broad range of research and resources in support of an inclusive approach to high quality education for ELs. To fulfill its mission, NCELA supports high quality networking among state-level administrators of Title III programs. In addition to SEA coordinators, NCELA serves other stakeholders involved in ELL education, including teachers and other practitioners, parents, university faculty, administrators, and federal policymakers.
Last Updated August 4, 2014