Teachers who work with English as a Second Language learners will find ESL/ESOL/ELL/EFL reading/writing skill-building children's books, stories, activities, ideas, strategies to help PreK-3, 4-8, and 9-12 students learn to read.
Adolescent Literacy
Frequent questions
Expert answers
I have several very low level readers in 5th grade that need books at their reading level. I have difficulty locating books for these students. The ones we are using seem to be too childish. Where can I find resources to use with these older students?
One resource that might be very helpful for you is a book called Leveled Books for Readers Grades 3-6, by Fountas and Pinnell. It lists over 6,000 books and gives the author, reading level, publisher, and genre of each. The genres that are included are: "traditional literature," "realistic fiction," "historical fiction," "science fiction," "fantasy," "biography," and "information book." The nonfiction listings in particular might be a good fit for your students. You may find that many of the books listed are available in your school's library or in your local public library.
Also, check out the publishers of what are called "high interest/low readability" texts. These are books that are written on a first to third grade reading level but treat themes and topics that are of interest to students of middle school or high school age. An internet search will yield a variety of publishers that specialize in this type of text.
Where can I find resources to teach high school ELLs in both English and Spanish literacy? My students are native Spanish speakers who read below a 4th grade level in Spanish.
For many years, a variety of American publishing companies have offered what are called "high interest/low readability" texts in English. These are books that are written on a first to third grade reading level, but treat themes and topics that are of interest to students of middle school or high school age.
Currently, some publishers are offering this type of text in Spanish, as well. As a result of the increased emphasis throughout the U.S. on standardized content area testing, many of these texts are on nonfiction topics that would be of interest even to adult audiences. These include books on such topics as the sciences, health issues, and U.S. history and government.
- Rourke Publishing offers various texts on U.S. history written on a fourth grade level in Spanish.
- AGS Publishing has also recently introduced a U.S. government textbook in Spanish written on a fourth grade level.
- Continental Book Company has a wide variety of books in Spanish, as well as bilingual English/Spanish books, including a large selection of dual language biographies written on a third grade level.
You should also take a look at the Lectorum website, which is Scholastic's Spanish site. Although many of the books are clearly for young children, you can also find "high/low" titles that would appeal to your students.
Publishers of materials for high school level Spanish as a second language classes might also be a good source. Glencoe, for example, has a "Journeys to Adventure" series and a "Señor Pepino" series that might work well with your students.
Also, be sure to check out the Educators Page on the Colorín Colorado website. You will find lots of outstanding resources there. Also, be sure to check out the Web Resources, where you will find links to many other excellent sites.
What are "newcomer" programs? What are their pros and cons?
Newcomer programs are programs designed for recent immigrants at the secondary school level who have little or no English proficiency, and limited or no formal education in their native countries. These programs have been developed to meet newcomers' needs before they enter into general education classrooms. The goals of newcomer programs are mainly to help kids develop linguistic survival skills and start adapting to the new culture.
Establishing newcomer programs is a complex process. Leadership is an important component to clearly outline the vision and structure of the program. The program goals and objectives need to be realistic, and the design must be able to meet the actual needs of the learners. The program should make use of the primary languages used by the group of students to be served. Issues such as: grade levels, course offerings, scheduling, instructional materials, curricular design, assessment should also be carefully considered.
Personnel necessary for newcomer programs include teachers, paraprofessionals, guidance counselors, translators and interpreters, native speakers, family members and parents, and people from the local community.
Although fairly recent in the United States, newcomer programs offer another opportunity for immigrant students to have their linguistic, social, and cultural needs met since in some cases, traditional English as a second language and bilingual programs are not designed to address those particular needs.
The major challenge of newcomer programs is the level of complexity involved in creating and running them. Unless stakeholders have a clear vision of the program mission, design, and needed resources, it may not root and thrive.
The sites below provide additional information on newcomer programs.
- Newcomers: Language and Academic Programs for Recent Immigrants
- Meeting the Needs of Immigrant Students
Those interested in engaging in a teacher discussion forum about developing newcomer programs, may wish to access the following website for questions related to program design, materials, goals and objectives, and any other issues related to classroom dynamics and resources.
Where can I find resources to teach high school ELLs in both English and Spanish literacy? My students are native Spanish speakers who read below a 4th grade level in Spanish.
For many years, a variety of American publishing companies have offered what are called "high interest/low readability" texts in English. These are books that are written on a first to third grade reading level but treat themes and topics that are of interest to students of middle school or high school age.
Currently, some publishers are offering this type of text in Spanish as well. As a result of the increased emphasis throughout the U.S. on standardized content area testing, many of these texts are on nonfiction topics that would be of interest even to adult audiences. These include books on such topics as the sciences, health issues, and U.S. history and government.
- Rourke Publishing offers various texts on U.S. history written on a fourth grade level in Spanish.
- AGS Publishing has also recently introduced a U.S. government textbook in Spanish written on a fourth grade level.
- Continental Book Company has a wide variety of books in Spanish, as well as bilingual English/Spanish books, including a large selection of dual language biographies written on a third grade level.
You should also take a look at the Lectorum website, which is Scholastic's Spanish site. Although many of the books are clearly for young children, you can also find "high/low" titles that would appeal to your students.
Publishers of materials for high school level Spanish as a second language classes might also be a good source. Glencoe, for example, has a "Journeys to Adventure" series and a "Señor Pepino" series that might work well with your students.
Also, be sure to check out the Educator's Page on the Colorín Colorado website. You will find lots of outstanding resources there, and if you click on Web Resources, you will find links to many other excellent sites.
