Do Picture Books Help English Language Learners? Essay

The benefits English language learners (ELLs) receive from Guided Reading are the same as all other students. However, when a modified approach is used ELLs benefit the most. Language learning opportunities gained by ELLs are those that native speakers acquire implicitly. Language and literacy learning opportunities including detailed vocabulary instruction, variables concerning second language (L2) text structure, such as semantics, syntax, and morphology are enhanced and enriched by modification. Some researchers have determined that ELLs are not generally ready for English reading instruction until they are intermediate stage of English language acquisition, while others advocate that reading and a second language are best acquired simultaneously (Avalos, Plasencia, Chavez, & Rascon, 2007, 319). In working with ELLs at

In this article, Moats provides an overview of the whole language reading instruction approach as well as a critique of the approach, its shortcomings in literacy based on scientific studies, how and why it is still pervasive in classrooms today, and how educators can fix the situation. First, Moats presents the reader with the background of the phonics instruction versus whole language instruction “reading wars” debate which led many educators to try to synthesize the two different types of language instruction under what she refers to as “balanced literacy”. Whole language is literacy approach that deemphasizes phonics in favor of meaning; advocates of this approach believe that literacy is similar to natural language acquisition therefore children can acquire skills through exposure to print and teaching modeling without explicit phonics instruction.

Visser (2013) described the effects of using Reader’s Theater as a strategy for improving the reading fluency, comprehension, and motivation of elementary English language learning (ELL) students. Results indicated Reader’s Theater is a motivational and effective strategy in teaching elementary ELL students to read in a second language. Recommendations for improving the effectiveness of using Reader’s Theater as a strategy include coping with performance anxiety, increasing the quantity of fluency practice, and incorporating Reader’s Theater into different content

“The more you read, the more things you know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” This is how Dr. Seuss thought of reading, and I think of it in much the same way. Literacy is everywhere and influences us every day, therefore, it plays a major part in each of our lives. I believe that reading is an interactive activity in which learning happens, or as Clay (2001) defines it, “…a message-getting, problem-solving activity” (p. 1). Reading is the process through which one reads information and from doing so, constructs meaning about the material. The more exposure and practice one has with reading, the more knowledge one gains. In this paper, I will begin by discussing my own personal educational philosophy, then continue by stating and explaining four of my beliefs about the reading process and the research that is found to support each of them before sharing the remaining questions I have about literacy. I am an existentialist, and a strong supporter of a balanced literacy approach. My beliefs about literacy come from these foundations and perspectives that I embrace. For students to be successful in their literacy development, I believe that identity acceptance in the classroom is crucial, instruction for all students must be differentiated, direct and explicit instruction is at times necessary, and vocabulary is a significant component in the ‘Big Five’ of children’s literacy development.

Introduction to reading comes through phonetic reading boxes. The reading boxes are cleverly organized, going from simple to the complex. Reading does not follow the same process of writing, which is taking our own thoughts and symbolizing. When we read, it is not our language with which we are working with, it is the author’s language. Reading is the analysis of the language followed by a synthesis. Story telling and socio-dramatic play in the environment can help the child develop an imagination that fosters a higher capability to understand what is being read to them.

Using the resource is helpful in developing language and literacy skills because students listen to the story and look at the pictures, which are forms of visual literacies and they also discuss their own personal backgrounds, developing oral language.

Literacy is a vital part of all later learning. Because of this, the children will engage in hands on activities that relates to what they have read and give them opportunities to make up their own versions, as well as make up their own stories. They will have a large group story time and a partner reading time. An ample variety of books will be available at all times. Signs with words and pictures will be posted around the classroom showing, daily activities, objects that are used daily, and the placement of toys and

The aim of this action research is to find and develop the book corner with the use of stories to support children with English as an Additional Language (EAL) within an early years setting. Recommendations in the form of evaluation to show the best methods which will help to improve the way support is given to children with EAL within the early years setting.

However, new language learners most face some difficult and boredom in reading, so teachers should try to give students books that can attract students interest and curiosity. Reading stories and novels can create great interest and suspense that ELL student’s need. Through my reading to this book ‘Their Eyes Were Watching God’ I strongly recommend it as one of these books that can benefit ELS students. According to Krashen (1993) reading is an effective way to increasing and improving improve spelling, grammar, and writing for ELL students, especially reading for pleasure. Krashen also said that students who read for pleasure have better reading comprehension, writing style, and increasing vocabulary. The author also emphasized that the best way to develop Vocabulary is through real encounters words within context (Krashen,

English learners (ELs) struggle with content literacy task because the “academic language of texts is not the language of conversational speech” Vacca et al. (2014, P.77). Every content area has a specific language. ELs find it difficult because they are not familiar with the academic language in that content area. For example, an English learner in first grade might have difficulties understanding his peers in a reading group excises because of the content language but, when they go outside to play, they communicate fluently because this English learner has mastered the playground language. Teachers can make content more accessible to students by using a variety of instructional strategies or aids to assist students with English language problems in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Interactive, cooperative activities, pictures, relevant media etc. are some of the shelter instructional strategies which teachers can use to make content accessible to students (p.82).

In this paper, I will discuss definitions of literacy, review research related to the transfer of literacy skills, and suggest practical applications of research findings of ways Linguistics (L1) support literacy in L2 for individuals learning English as a Second Language (ESL). Further, I will explore instructional practices implemented as L1 is transferred to L2 knowledge-base. As learning practices for L1 and L2 are outlined, cognates of L2 will be demonstrated in this paper for further understanding. In addition, L1 proficiency learners stem from individuals’ first language also known as their “mother language.” L1 can be described in four acquisition stages from the following: (1) babbling (2) one-word (3) two-word (4) string of words

Picture books with sound and rhythm within its language helps children’s vocabulary grow so they can communicate sufficiently with others as they themselves

“The more you read, the more things you know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go” –Dr. Seuss. Dr.Seuss could not be any more right. It is often said that once you find the right book, you could go anywhere. Literacy is one of the most important things that a child could ever learn. In order to succeed in society today, one must be able to read, write, speak and even listen. There has been great debate over the different approaches when it comes to teaching children how to read. This essay will go more in depth on both approaches, how the writer learned how to read, how the writer will teach their students how to read.

In the 2014 film Reading to Learn: English Language Learners in Grades 4-6, Dr. Nonie Lesaux and Delia Pompa discuss the current challenges that English language learners, as well as their teachers, face in the

This resource had been created to encourage a child to learn to read through play. It is in the form of a game and it is aimed at helping a child repeat the words that extra practice is needed from a book that has been read. The resource created is a game that incorporates play and praise in which are essential skills to support a child that is learning something new. Games enable all children to develop skills without pressure and are particularly important for children who may be less confident (Lindon, 1993). The ‘Let’s Read’ game can be used for a variety of ages as the words can be changed and personalised depending on the child’s reading ability. This game is a good way of helping to teach a child to read and improve on words that they struggle with because it is taught by learning through play, therefore the child is less aware they are learning and it is a fun way to practice. The child is also receiving praise and reward through the star reward sheet that comes with the game. By