Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan: Literacy Instruction for ELLs

Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan is a a bilingual speech and language pathologist and expert in the field of literacy instruction for multilingual students. In this interview with Colorin Colorado, she discusses the importance of getting to know students' literacy backgrounds, structured literacy and English language learners (ELLs), ideas for instruction, and considerations for extra supports and interventions for ELLs.

Professional Learning Resources

See hands-on professional learning materials below, including a slide deck with videos and discussion questions. In addition, see more from Dr. Cárdenas-Hagan in the following:

Getting to Know Your ELLs' Literacy Backgrounds

Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan explains why it is so important to learn more about multilingual students' literacy backgrounds and how to find out more about their literacy experiences.

Meet Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan

Why Knowing About Your ELLs' Literacy Backgrounds Matters

How ELLs' Literacy Backgrounds May Vary

How to Learn About Your ELLs' Literacy Background

What Informal Data Can Tell You About ELLs' Literacy Background

How Do Students' Languages Compare with English?

Structured Literacy and ELLs

Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan provides an introduction to structured literacy, discusses the research related to reading instruction for ELLs, and talks about some key considerations for ELLs' core literacy instruction.

What Is Structured Literacy?

Research-Based Practices for ELL Literacy Instruction

The Simple View of Reading and Why It Matters for ELLs

Why ELLs' Fluent Reading Doesn't Always Equal Comprehension

How to Incorporate Language Development into Foundational Skills Practice

Highlighting Students' Language Assets with Structured Multi-Literacy

Vocabulary

How Vocabulary Affects Comprehension: A Reading Passage About a Mime

Teaching Vocabulary with Routines

How Partner Talk Can Support Oral Language Development

How to Select Vocabulary Words for ELL Literacy Instruction

How Word Study and Morphology Can Support Vocabulary Development

Valuing Students' Social Language

Extra Support for Students

Collecting Language and Literacy Data When Students Struggle

Frontloading Language in ELLs' Literacy Instruction and Interventions

Using Student Writing Samples to Inform Instruction

The Importance of Teachers' Language and Literacy Expertise in Intervention

Why Collaboration Matters in Literacy Interventions for ELLs

Using Colorín Colorado's Literacy Resources

Professional Learning

This Colorín Colorado slide show features our video clips with Dr. Cárdenas-Hagan alongside questions for discussion and reflection. These slides can used for teacher training and turnkey professional development sessions. Please share attribution to Colorín Colorado.

To edit this presentation, you can download or copy the slides:

File > Download (no Google account required)
File > Make a copy (Google account required)