I was reading some work by Fred Genesee, a long-time expert in language learning wherein he was discussing some commonly accepted myths about language learning.  He addressed the myth, 'Earlier is better" and this is what he says: "WE NOW KNOW THAT: o yes, overall, earlier is generally better BUT...

There are so many acronyms in education.  I think two of the most important ones in thinking about language education are BICS and CALP.  Take a look at the chart below to start thinking about these 2 different kinds of language that language learners produce:   Why is it important...

What do I see least of in K-12 classrooms?  Language objectives.  In my work with K-12 teachers of language learners (LLs), I see a lot of sound research-based sheltering strategies like using graphic organizers to help LLs get their feet wet with new language and concepts or showing pictures to...

“Simply said, when students understand the purpose of a lesson, they learn more” (Fraser, Walberg, Welch, & Hattie, 1987; Marzano, Pickering, & Pollock, 2001 in Fisher & Frey, 2010, p. 1) It has been stirring for a while.  At first I didn’t even notice him.  He kept coming around more...

  This is my new favorite teaching tool!   Write and Wipe Pockets are so flexible and give students the opportunity to practice reading and writing in English!  Check out my YouTube video with lots of ideas for how to use them!

Watch my short video blog on flexible ways to use cubes in the classroom to enhance language practice and reinforce content and language learning.   This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011 at 4:27 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry...

I was doing some research on the Department of Education website (ed.gov) for a book I am writing and stumbled upon a new tool for educators and administrators.  Their Doing What Works website makes sense of research-based practices for teaching English Language Learners and more.  They’ve got videos, classroom examples,...