Colorin Colorado: Helping children read... and succeed!

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.


A bilingual site for families and educators of English language learners
ESL Job Interview Tips

ESL Job Interview Tips

Get ready for a job interview with these helpful tips!

Learn more >
Support for Haitian Students

Support for Haitian Students

Learn how you can help Haitian students affected by the recent earthquake.

See article >
Technology and ELLs

Technology and ELLs

Take a look at these great ideas for using technology in the ELL classroom!

Learn more >
Snow, Snow, Snow!

Snow, Snow, Snow!

These cozy, snowy stories are perfect for bedtime or for curling up on the couch!

Learn more >
  • ESL Job Interview Tips
  • Support for Haitian Students
  • Technology and ELLs
  • Snow, Snow, Snow!

This Month's Highlights

Talking about Haiti

It Happened Over There

Reading Rockets helps parents and teachers address the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti through reading and books. It Happened Over There: Understanding and Empathy Through Children's Books offers a number of children's books and resources to help students understand what is happening in Haiti.

Books and Authors

When This World Was New / Un Mundo Nuevo

By D. H. Figueredo
Illustrated by Enrique O. Sanchez

When This World Was New

Danilito is excited about coming to America, but he is also scared. After his first snowfall, though, he begins to feel a little more confident in this new country.

Warm illustrations bring an immigrant family's journey to life. English and Spanish versions available.

Video interview with Jerry Pinkney

featured books by Jerry Pinkney

Jerry Pinkney recently won the 2010 Caldecott Medal for his book, The Lion & the Mouse. In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, Jerry Pinkney talks about growing up as a slow reader and the early encouragement he received as a young artist.

New on Colorín Colorado!

Literacy Development for Latino Students

Bobbi Houtchens


Bobbi Ciriza Houtchens is a veteran high school English and ELD teacher from San Bernadino, CA.

In these essay excerpts and video clips, Houtchens discusses her strategies for engaging even the most reluctant of readers.

Parent Tips: Encouraging Teens to Read

Strong reading skills are important for teenagers, but sometimes it can be a challenge for parents to get them to pick up a book! Here are some ways that parents can encourage teens to read. These tips are also available in Spanish.

Recommended Resources

The Best for Our Children: Critical Perspectives on Literacy for Latino Students
by María de la Luz Reyes and John J. Halcón, Eds.

'The Best for Our Children cover

In this intriguing text, Reyes and Halcón present the perspectives of prominent Latino researchers and educators on issues related to literacy development for PreK-12 Latino students. The focus throughout is on the critical need for learning environments in which Latino students' culture and language are respected and nurtured.

The Best for Our Children offers a true insider's view of how to lay the foundation for effective literacy instruction for Latino children.

Reyes, M. & Halcón, J. (Eds.). (2001). The Best for Our Children: Critical Perspectives on Literacy for Latino Students. New York: Teachers College, Columbia University.