Bilingualism has long been considered something of an advantage. Children who are taught to learn multiple languages are often better prepared for their lives ahead, not just for the reason that they can converse with people from diverse backgrounds in other countries, but because bilingualism is often an indication of a higher intellect at work. In addition, the ability of being bilingual brings with it some evidence of a greater control over one’s own thought processes and mental skills. The evidence suggests that having a grasp of more than one language with fluency helps strengthen the brain, training it to concentrate more effectively, grasp complex thoughts and concepts, and focus one’s attention more thoroughly.

So it stands to reason that English language learners may be getting a leg up as they pursue their studies at even the elementary school level. As they work to sound out and comprehend the many basic sounds of English, they are also equipping themselves with the skills to be more attentive and sharp, enabling their minds for greater cognitive and deductive capabilities.

Lectura Books offers award-winning bilingual books. Reading is a great way to teach a child to become bilingual. To watch a video trailer of some of their most popular books, visit their Youtube Channel.

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The post New Research Links Bilingualism with Better Attention and Self Control appeared first on The Latino Family Literacy Project.

The Latino community is all about family. This reading program for Spanish speaking parents teaches parents how to help their kids with their reading skills, and they identify with the stories.

Kids have a lot to say about their parents who attend The Latino Family Literacy Project. They LOVE reading with their parents, and they LOVE learning new words and building stronger reading skills.

Parents who speak Spanish are often at a loss when it comes to with reading with their children, especially if they don’t have books in Spanish and English. If a Spanish book is available to the parents, that makes it possible for them to read with their children. But even better, is when the book is in Spanish and English and they have the opportunity to learn English together with their children.

“Acquisition requires meaningful interaction in the target language – natural communication – in which speakers are concerned not with the form of their utterances but with the messages they are conveying and understanding.” Dr. Stephen Krashen, a linguist and professor emeritus at the University of Southern California.

This testimonial video was filmed at Brooks Elementary school to demonstrate that Spanish-speaking parents benefit greatly from participating in The Latino Family Literacy Project at their child’s school site. And you can see that the kids are so proud of their parents when they see them trying and learning a new language. Here we are highlighting the children, because that’s what its all about…..helping children to read for school success.

The post See What English Learner Students Say About Their Parents appeared first on The Latino Family Literacy Project.