Shelley Hong Xu

Grounded in research and practical expertise, this volume helps K–6 teachers skillfully support all of their English language learners (ELLs)—from a single student to an entire classroom. Ideas for teaching ELLs across different grade and proficiency levels include ways to link instruction to students’ lived experiences, use a variety of motivating print and electronic texts and materials, engage families, and conduct effective assessments. Chapters are packed with tools and activities for promoting ELLs’ development in oral language, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, and grammar. Handy reproducibles and “Voice from the Classroom” teacher vignettes enhance the utility of the book.

Summarizing current research and weaving it into practical instructional strategies that teachers can immediately use with young English language learners (ELLs), this book addresses a major priority for today's primary-grade classrooms. All aspects of effective instruction for ELLs are explored: oral language development and instruction, materials, word study, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, and home-school connections. Assessment is discussed throughout, and is also covered in a separate chapter. The volume is packed with realistic examples, lesson planning ideas, book lists, online resources, and reproducibles. Discussion and reflection questions enhance its utility as a professional development tool or course text.

Grounded in cutting-edge theory and research about literacy development, this book is filled with practical assessment and instructional ideas for teachers of pre-K through grade 3. Engaging vignettes show how everyday conversations and activities offer rich opportunities both for evaluating children's current level of knowledge and for helping them progress toward more sophisticated and rewarding interactions with reading and writing. Throughout, the book highlights ways to work effectively with English language learners and their families, a theme that is the exclusive focus of two chapters. Other timely topics covered include creative uses of technology and ways to incorporate popular culture into the classroom. Over two dozen reproducible assessment tools and handouts enhance the utility of this volume as an instructional resource, professional development tool, or graduate-level text.