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.

1. Preschoolers are highly visual creatures. They are engaged through sight as much as they are through touch. Bright colors and shiny objects are just some of the items that capture their attention and engage their imagination. By contrast, getting them to understand the basics of literacy can be a challenge. Reading to a child is an activity that promotes the importance of story and serves as a valuable entry point to teaching them effective literacy skills. But reading to a preschooler is only one part of the process. Getting them to engage with literacy by their own accord is another. This can be done in a variety of ways that incorporate creativity and art in equal measure. Books that have pictures are a fundamental tool for teaching literacy in preschool. Appropriate age children’s books don’t rely as heavily on text as they do on illustrations, and this is one of the most important methods towards connecting art with literacy in teaching preschoolers how to read.

3. Then there are the activities that let them create their own stories. Drawing pictures on paper with pencils, crayons, and paints lets them create the image and the back story surrounding it. Collages are also a handy exercise that allows children to build a story through designing images in any order they see fit. Anything that enables a child to be creative will help foster their imagination to make a connection to other learning processes that are presented in the classroom setting. This can go a long way to improving their literacy skills by opening their minds to new ideas and promoting an interest and enthusiasm for learning. Incorporating art in the classroom may even spark an interest in the arts themselves, whether it’s drawing, painting, or even finding other creative outlets for self-expression as they grow older.

Lectura Books understands the connection between art and literacy and has published award-winning dual language books in English and Spanish specifically for preschool children. These books contain vivid, artistic illustrations that grab the attention of the reader. You can preview a few of the books used in the program on Lectura Books Youtube page.

Stay updated with the latest information about ELLs and follow our Facebook and Twitter pages. We post new information every day.

The post 3 Ways to Connect Art with Literacy for Preschool appeared first on The Latino Family Literacy Project.