Literacy Essentials for English Language Learners

Book excerpt: Language and literacy instruction in English needs to begin early and continue throughout the elementary years. This new book in the Practitioners Bookshelf Series provides research-based, best practices for developing language and literacy from kindergarten through 5th grade. Teachers are encouraged to build on ELL students existing linguistic and cultural background knowledge, to explain the many idiosyncrasies of the English language and U.S. school culture, and to involve students in their own learning, encouraging them to express themselves in many ways including in their native language. The hands-on text features sample lesson plans and childrens literature that can be used to help ELL students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school.