The English Language Learner KnowledgeBase for Parents

This KnowledgeBase archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.

The English Language Learner (ELL) KnowledgeBase for Parents is an online resource parent advocates can use to help parents understand the ELL student program available at their child's school. It offers resources related to parent rights under federal education laws and how parents can be involved in their child's education.

Task 1: Reading

guideline: As noted at the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition's website "Children begin to develop language skills in infancy. Whether or not English is your first language isn't important. What's important is talking with your child. To understand the connection between children's early experiences with spoken language and learning to read, think of language as a four-legged stool. The four legs are talking, listening, reading and writing. All four legs are important; each helps to support and balance the other." To aid children's development, it is important for caregivers to help children learn to read.

resources

Tools

Put Reading First: Helping Your Child Learn to Read -- A Parent Guide

Published by The Partnership for Reading, this brochure provides a quick overview of the findings of the National Reading Panel for parents and gives ideas for what to expect from a school's reading program based on evidence from the research (preschool through grade 3). The brochure also suggests ways parents can reinforce reading instruction at home with everyday activities and interactions. The Partnership is a collaborative effort of the National Institute for Literacy and its federal partners, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the U.S. Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Practical Tips

Tips for Helping Children Learn to Read

This U.S. Department of Education brochure provides information about how to help build children's reading and language skills during the early years of life.

References

Colorin Colorado

This link to the Colorin Colorado website provides useful information, strategies, activities, and resources for all teachers of ELLs. This website also presents a broad series of materials useful in the implementation of a language assistance program.

Reading is Fundamental

"Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. prepares and motivates children to read by delivering free books and literacy resources to those children and families who need them most." The link provided to the parents page offers reading materials organized by age group.

Tips and Tools - Reading is Fundamental (RIF)

Like so many skills, reading does not come easily to every child. Roadblocks may hinder some children from enjoying printed pages and illustrations. Explore RIF's articles for tips on topics from success in school to choosing good books.

The contents of this website were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and are intended for general reference purposes only. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education or the Center, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Some resources on this site require Adobe Acrobat Reader. This website archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.