10 RESEARCH ARTICLES

Five Things Teachers Can Do to Improve Learning for ELLs in the New Year

By: Kristina Robertson (2009)

This Bright Ideas article recommends five specific and measurable actions teachers can implement to assist ELL learning in the upcoming year. All of the strategies have been featured on the Colorín Colorado website, and the Hotlinks section has links to helpful articles and websites for further support.

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/29590 

A Multidimensional Approach to Vocabulary Instruction: Supporting English Language Learners in Inclusive Classrooms

By: Rebecca Silverman (2009)

The principles of a multidimensional vocabulary program hold promise for supporting the vocabulary development of all students, especially English language learners. Eight characteristics of a multidimensional approach are described. The first is the introduction of new words through engaging children's literature.

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/30098

Learning Two Languages

By: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2008)

Learning to speak two languages is like learning any other skill. To do it well, children need lots of practice, which parents can help provide. This American Speech-Language-Hearing Association brief gives information and tips for parents.

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/23181 

Interactivity Seen as Key

By: Mary Ann Zehr (2007)

Technology that encourages interactive learning can be an effective tool for teaching English language learners, even if the technology is not specifically designed particularly for ELLs.

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/21159

Using Multimedia to Promote Vocabulary Learning: Supporting English Language Learners in Inclusive Classrooms

By: Rebecca Silverman (2009)

A recent research study shows that using multimedia video in conjunction with traditional read aloud methods may improve the vocabulary growth of English language learners. An example of how to implement multimedia during classroom read-alouds is described.

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/30096

Increasing ELL Student Reading Comprehension with Non-fiction Text

By: Kristina Robertson (2008)

One of the most important skills students learn as they transition into middle and high school is how to get information from a non-fiction text. This skill can be especially challenging for ELLs, who may not have had much experience working independently with expository texts. This Bright Ideas article offers ways that teachers can help ELLs work effectively with non-fiction texts and includes strategies for introducing components, structure, and purpose of expository texts.

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/29035 

Developing Academic Language: Got Words?

By: E. Sutton Flynt and William G. Brozo (2008)

Concerns about how to build academic vocabulary and weave its instruction into curricula are common among classroom teachers. This article reviews the research, and offers some practical suggestions for teachers.

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/26892

Successful Parent-Teacher Conferences with Bilingual Families

By: Kristina Robertson (2008)

Educators may wonder how to hold an effective parent-teacher conference with the parents of English language learners if they can't communicate comfortably in English. Here we provide a number of tips that will help you bridge the language gap, take cultural expectations about education into account, and provide your students' parents with the information they need about their children's progress in school.

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/27078

What Does Research Tell Us About Teaching Reading to English Language Learners?

By: Suzanne Irujo (2007)

In this article, a seasoned ELL teacher synthesizes her own classroom experience and the findings of the National Literacy Panel on Language-Minority Children and Youth to make recommendations for effective literacy instruction of ELL students.

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/19757 

Communication Strategies for All Classrooms: Focusing on English Language Learners and Students with Learning Disabilities

By: Dale S. Brown and Karen Ford (2007)

Here are some concrete suggestions for teachers who want to communicate well with all of their students, especially English language learners and students with learning disabilities. Incorporate these suggestions and you will reach many more students.

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/19260

How to Create a Welcoming Classroom Environment

By: Colorín Colorado (2007)

Chances are that your English language learners (ELLs) come from a culture with traditions and family values that differ from mainstream American culture.

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/14312