T.ELL.E-gram

This month's highlights

We're very excited to present the new ColorinColorado.org. Start exploring some of our new sections, like Topics from A to Z!

Featured article

With pressure placed on schools to perform well on standardized tests, teachers and administrators often ask what the research says about effective strategies for ELL students. This article highlights research-based strategies that can be successful with many different learners.

Achieving Success: From the Heart

Maria Elena Orozco teaches 7th and 8th grade heritage Spanish and Spanish language arts at Benjamin Harrison Middle School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She recently spoke with Colorin Colorado about strategies she uses to improve reading comprehension among her middle school students.

Two more days to tell us about a fantastic teacher!

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, May 7-11, we want to hear about a teacher who has made a difference in your life. Write in by April 30, and you will be entered into a drawing to win an iPod or a gift certificate to our Learning Store.

Día de los Niños/Día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day)

Get your children excited to read with a holiday made just for them! Dia de los Ninos is all about celebrating reading and making it fun. On April 30th, we hold a celebration of children, families, and reading, emphasizing the importance of advocating literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

For Educators — En Español!

At your request, you can now find information for educators in Spanish! Feel free to share with your Spanish-speaking colleagues, paraprofessionals, day care providers, and others.

New Section: Research and Reports

The National High School Center has released a report that provides a roadmap for bringing higher literacy to the ELL population. ELLs are often relegated to lower level classes in high school, and many -- particularly Latinos -- have lower graduation rates than their native English-speaking peers. Improving Literacy Outcomes for English Language Learners in High School outlines how states and districts can move away from a remediation approach and toward academic acceleration and enrichment so that ELLs succeed in high school and beyond.

In the Classroom

Bright Ideas That Work

There is a very important correlation between writing and language development. Find out how you can help your ELLs improve their writing skills. Find ideas on differentiating writing activities, and other ways to help ELLs discover the joy of writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

• "I have a variety of levels in my ESL class. How do I differentiate instruction?"

Did you know…The new ColorinColorado.org has an expanded FAQ section, organized by topic?

Beyond the Classroom

Book of the Month

Tales Our Abuelitas Told: A Hispanic Folktale Collection

Read more about this and other books in our Celebrate Reading in Two Languages booklist! It's the perfect place to start looking for a gift for young readers of all ages: from birth to high school.

Don't forget to explore the new Books & Authors section!

In a Word: Semantic Organizers

This month's glossary term refers to graphic organizers that look somewhat like a spider web where lines connect a central concept to a variety of related ideas and events.

Learning Store

Visit our online store and check out our growing list of bilingual products!

"I will be teaching ESL this year and am thrilled to have found the resources on your site!"
—Margaret D.