"What Practical Resource Do You Recommend for Working with English Learners?"

As this question popped up on my phone, my mind responded without hesitation: Literacy Foundations for English Learners. Meeting Elsa Cardenas-Hagan completely changed instructional conversations four years ago. Her book is filled with small bite size action steps to improve our work with English Learners.  As my focus was primarily effective phonics instruction, it was a huge benefit to read about how to best merge Orton Gillingham methodology and Elsa's suggestions for this area of literacy to meet the needs of all students. During PLCs & onsite sessions, teachers were taking away key strategies and combining them with the work being done in their small groups. 

Phonics instruction is not the only component of literacy covered in this resource. Chapter 7 quickly became a favorite to share and discuss as explicit vocabulary instruction was found to be a "hot mess express" during data discussions. As I pondered what it meant to truly know a word, Elsa broke it down into meaningful action steps for active engagement. 

Ultimately, I love how she weaves in writing instruction. Our students must write but HOW?!  She addresses many ideas and key strategies in chapter 10. If you haven't opened this book and you work with English Learners, it should be your next purchase. (Definitely check out this webinar! ) In the meantime, here are three key takeaways:

1. Interactive Read-Alouds with Think-Alouds: Cardenas-Hagan recommends using interactive read-alouds to engage English learners with texts in a dynamic way. During these read-alouds, teachers model thinking aloud, explaining their thought processes as they engage with the text. This provides students with insight into vocabulary acquisition and how to make connections between the text and their own experiences. The interaction also encourages discussion and language use -- helping students practice speaking and listening skills while reinforcing comprehension -- win-win! If you struggle with oral language and discussion, see my blog post with Dr. Sonia Cabell.  Five- Turns is an awesome strategy to implement with your students.

2. Structured Language Routines: The book emphasizes the importance of incorporating daily language routines that build both oral and written language. For example, teachers can use sentence frames and structured prompts to support student responses in full sentences. By giving students predictable opportunities to practice language in a structured way, such as during group discussions or journal writing, students can develop fluency and confidence in using academic language. Keys to Literacy has some amazing discussion cards that are beneficial for all learners in your room.  Check them out here!

3. Word Walls and Vocabulary Instruction: A significant focus is on building vocabulary, particularly academic vocabulary. She suggests using word walls as a tool for ongoing vocabulary development. Teachers can organize words by themes or concepts and add new words as they come up in the classroom. These word walls should be interactive, with students encouraged to contribute to them and use the words in sentences. Valentina Gonzalez has a thought-provoking blog centered around this same strategy! Check it out here!

    Hopefully, you will have the same amount of success. Use this blessing from Elsa to fuel your own work!