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Helpful Video Resources

Reading Rockets has produced a number of videos about English language learners and reading in general that you may find helpful. You can purchase VHS or DVD copies from the Reading Rockets Store.

Videos About English Language Learners

Video Clips for Parent Workshops

These four video clips are part of the Colorín Colorado - AFT Toolkit for Teachers. Three of the four video clips are available in both Spanish and English. All clips are between three and four minutes in length.

Becoming Bilingual

This 30-minute PBS television special is the seventh show in the Reading Rockets: Launching Young Readers Series. It offers a look into the world of children learning to speak and read in English – and shows some strategies that work in the classroom. Hosted by Rita Moreno

Teaching English Language Learners to Read

In this 90-minute Reading Rockets teleconference, national experts answer questions about how to best teach English language learners to read.

Interview with Pat Mora English | Spanish

As a literacy advocate, mother, and second-generation Mexican American, children's book author Pat Mora offers insightful comments on how teachers and librarians can reach out to Hispanic parents. Her Reading Rockets interview in English is geared to educators, while her Spanish interview speaks directly to Hispanic parents.

Videos About Reading

Reading Rockets: Launching Young Readers is an eight-part television series that covers the foundations of literacy from preschool through third grade. It includes:

Program 1 - The Roots of Reading: Pre-Reading Skills

Looks at the earliest stages of literacy, offering practical advice and concrete suggestions for caregivers, and gives solid recommendations for teaching preschool and kindergarten students. Hosted by Fred Rogers.

Program 2 - Sounds and Symbols: Phonemic Awareness and Phonics

Spotlights teachers using innovative strategies for helping kids crack the code of reading. Hosted by Annette Bening.

Program 3 - Fluent Reading: The Ability to Decode Quickly

Highlights successful strategies for helping children become fluent readers and shows how early testing and intervention can help struggling readers. Hosted by Deborah Norville.

Program 4 - Writing and Spelling: Motivation and Vocabulary Building

Features activities that promote writing practice, vocabulary growth, and spelling proficiency in children. Hosted by Vivica A. Fox.

Program 5 - Reading for Meaning: Comprehension

Highlights effective strategies used across the country to help kids understand - and care about - what they read. Hosted by Frank McCourt.

Program 6 - Empowering Parents

Focuses on helping parents recognize reading problems early, as well as providing advice on where to turn for help. Hosted by Al Roker.

Program 7 - Becoming Bilingual

Offers a look into the world of children learning to speak and read in English - and shows some strategies that work in the classroom. Hosted by Rita Moreno.

Program 8 - Reading Rocks! A Show for and About Kids with Reading Difficulties

A fun program that motivates kids who are struggling with reading. It includes interviews with children who are overcoming their reading difficulties. Hosted by Nick Spano.

"A Tale of Two Schools" is a one-hour television documentary from PBS that looks at how two schools - and two dedicated teachers - take on the challenge of teaching young kids to read. Narrated by Morgan Freeman.

Comments and Recommendations

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