The Latino Family Literacy Project provides workshops and webinars for school teachers and school staff for Parent Involvement. Staff will learn how to provide a culturally relevant model for parent involvement, family reading and vocabulary development.

The following is a list of useful resources and programs for ELL students living in New Mexico.

State of New Mexico Informational Resources:

• New Mexico Public Education Department: http://ped.state.nm.us/ped/index.html
• ELL Support Page: http://ped.state.nm.us/ped/Bilingual_index.html
• WIDA English Language Development Standards: https://www.wida.us/standards/eld.aspx
• WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment) is an organization comprised of a number of different states throughout the country dedicated to raising the standards of bilingual education policies and monitoring the progress and development of ELL’s in the United States.
• New Mexico State Board Learning Standards Assessments: http://ped.state.nm.us/AssessmentAccountability/AssessmentEvaluation/index.html
• Title III Information: http://www.ncela.us/t3sis/NewMexico.php
• New Mexico English Proficiency Assessment Standards: http://ped.state.nm.us/AssessmentAccountability/AssessmentEvaluation/index.html

Educational Programs and Learning Resources:

• The New Mexico Association for Bilingual Education – The NMABE is an advocacy organization dedicated to promoting bilingual education for grades K-12 throughout the state. They focus on professional development, linguistic diversity, and increased resources for bilingual programs as well as research application and dissemination: http://nmabe.net/
• New Mexico Education Association – The New Mexico affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers which works to advocate for and establish a standard of success and excellence in public schools within the United States: http://www.nea.org/home/49832.htm
• Lectura Books – Publishers of award-winning English and Spanish language development books for infants to teenagers, including the 2014 Moonbeam Award Winner for Best Children’s Book, (Spanish) Boy Zorro and the Bully.
• Lectura Books Professional Development Workshops – Training workshops designed to assist teachers, aides, and parental coordinators with implementing aspects of the Latino Family Literacy Project, which meets compliance with Title I and Title III Parent involvement initiatives: https://www.latinoliteracy.com/workshops/
• Family Phonics Workbooks: An English vocabulary program for parents and children learning English, taught using a simple method to teach parents strong English vocabulary and proper pronunciation through the use of phonics: https://www.lecturabooks.com/family-phonics-workbooks/

If you liked this blog, visit out our Facebook and Twitter page. We frequently post updated and relevant information related to ELLs.

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Before kids reach kindergarten age, children’s minds rapidly develop like no other time in human life. One way to bring learning to the forefront of how we support children as a society is to start, fund, and support programs that boost children’s literacy, including those that empower parents and families through giving them books.

In the NYT article, “Helping Children Thrive,” the Harlem Children’s Zone Baby College and Harlem Gems programs are given as exemplary examples of early education programs. These programs have a four-to-one student teacher ratio and teach pre-literacy, French, and social skills. High quality preschool programs help underprivileged children to make up for some of the resources they are lacking, and another example of a literacy program supporting young children is called “Reach Out and Read.”

Through this non-profit program, doctors and nurses give out books to families during young children’s check-ups and remind them of the importance of reading to children. Children receive new books at each check-up, and the Reach Out and Read site shares that, “many Reach Out and Read program sites create literacy-rich environments that include gently-used books for waiting room use and/or volunteer readers to model for parents the techniques of reading aloud to young children.” Many parents may not be able to afford new books for their kids, and those who might not traditionally read to their children at home can benefit from another adult modelling the read aloud process for them.

Reach Out and Read serves 4.5 million children in all 50 states of the U.S. Their research shows that the preschoolers they work with score three to six months ahead of peers on vocabulary tests. This program is important because it directly recognizes children’s literacy as important to their growth and development, and it is powerful because it can reach so many children through doctor’s visits. By linking reading with physical health, the program honors reading as the crucial element to children’s well-being that research has shown it to be.

Lectura Books provides award-winning bilingual books that are a great tool for English Learner students and their parents. The multicultural stories of each book help to engage the parents of ELL students. This encourages more reading and speaking of English at home. Visit their website to see some of their most popular book titles.

The Latino Family Literacy Project are experts in working with Spanish speaking parents and can train your staff to work specifically with Spanish-speaking parents at your school. Attendees can participate via online webinar training and will learn a culturally competent and research-based program to deliver to parents either online or in person at school.

The post Helping Young Children by Reaching Out to Parents with Books appeared first on The Latino Family Literacy Project.

The following is a list of useful resources and programs for ELL students living in Virginia.

State of Virginia Informational Resources:

• Virginia Department of Education: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/
• ELL Support Page: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/esl/index.shtml
• WIDA English Language Development Standards: https://www.wida.us/standards/eld.aspx
• WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment) is an organization comprised of a number of various states designed to establish and implement bilingual education policies, in addition to the regular monitoring of progress and development of ELL’s in the United States.
• Virginia Proficiency Learning Standards Proficiency Examination Program: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/test_administration/index.shtml
•  Title III Information: http://www.ncela.us/t3sis/Virginia.php

Educational Programs and Learning Resources:

• Virginia State Education Association – Regional affiliate of the National Education Association, the biggest education lobby in the United States, tasked with promoting legislation to support teachers and educators and make new funding resources available to the education profession: http://www.nea.org/home/49818.htm
• Virginia Parent Information Resource Center – PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center) – A federal program designed for promoting successful teaching partnerships between parents, teachers, and school administrations to improve the educational structure for children in grades K-12 from all backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities and/or disabilities: http://www.nationalpirc.org/directory/VA.html
• Lectura Books Professional Development Workshops – Training workshops designed to assist educators and school administrations with implementing aspects of the Latino Family Literacy Project, which meets compliance with Title I and Title III Parent involvement initiatives: https://www.latinoliteracy.com/workshops/
• Latino Family Literacy Project School and District Staff Development Workshops – Teaching workshops designed for helping parents and teachers alike to help Spanish-speaking children learn English to build their literacy and vocabulary skills, while instructing school districts how to work with Spanish-speaking families in order for their children to excel academically: https://www.lecturabooks.com/professional-development/
• https://www.lecturabooks.com/product/house-literacy-elementary-collection” target=”_blank”>The House of Literacy Book Set – Available in Pre-School and Elementary levels, these collections contain of books are designed to help parents of ELLs read to their children in Spanish while providing an opportunity towards improving English language vocabulary skills. These sets encourage parental involvement in the English Language education of their children: https://www.lecturabooks.com/product/house-of-literacy-preschool-collection/

If you liked this blog, visit out our Facebook and Twitter page. We frequently post updated and relevant information related to ELLs.

References

https://www.lecturabooks.com/product/house-literacy-elementary-collection/

http://www.migrationpolicy.org/research/states-and-districts-highest-number-and-share-english-language-learners

http://www.migrationpolicy.org/research/top-languages-spoken-english-language-learners-nationally-and-state

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State of New York Informational Resources:

• New York State Education Department: http://www.nysed.gov/
• New York City Department of Education: http://schools.nyc.gov/default.htm
• ELL Support Page: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/biling/
• ELL Assessment and Testing: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/biling/bilinged/assessment.html
• ELL Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network Directory: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/biling/bilinged/betac.html
• Title III Information: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/biling/NEWTIII.html

Educational Programs and Learning Resources:

• EngageNY New York State Bilingual Common Core Initiative – This site explains all of the standards set forth by the NY State Education Department for ELL learning assessments as they relate to Common Core: https://www.engageny.org/resource/new-york-state-bilingual-common-core-initiative
• ELL Family Resources: Handbooks available in nine different languages for ELLs and their parents to better navigate the New York Public School system and start planning for college: http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/ELL/FamilyResources/hs+college+handbook.htm
• NYSTESOL – The coalition of New York education professionals and policymakers devoted to the effective development of school curriculum for ELLs of grades K-12 in public and private schools: http://www.nystesol.org/
• The Latino Family Literacy Project Webinar Training: https://www.latinoliteracy.com/webinars/
• Family Phonics Workbooks: An English vocabulary program for parents and children learning English that uses a simple method to teach parents strong English vocabulary and proper pronunciation through the use of phonics: https://www.lecturabooks.com/family-phonics-workbooks/
• The House of Literacy Book Sets – Available in Pre-School and Elementary levels, these collections contain a set of six books each, designed to help parents of ELLs read to their children in Spanish while providing an outlet through which to practice and improve English vocabulary as well. These sets encourage parental involvement in the English Language education of their children: https://www.lecturabooks.com/product/house-of-literacy-preschool-collection/ or https://www.lecturabooks.com/product/house-literacy-elementary-collection/

If your school could benefit from an ELL program, Lectura Books offers award-winning bilingual books that can be used as a great teaching tool for English Learners. If you’re interested in viewing a preview of some of the books offered by Lectura Books, visit their Youtube page.

References

http://www.migrationpolicy.org/research/states-and-districts-highest-number-and-share-english-language-learners
http://www.migrationpolicy.org/research/top-languages-spoken-english-language-learners-nationally-and-state

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“The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by a school, school district, or county office of education in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation.”

Californians Together was and is a leading force behind this initiative. Dr. Laurie Olsen shares on Colorín Colorado that Californians Together “is comprised of statewide parent, professional and civil rights organizations focusing on improving policy and practice for the education of English Learners.” They produced the criteria, materials, workbooks, workshops, policies, application materials, assessment approaches, awards, and conference presentations that led up to the establishment of the California Seal of Biliteracy. 63 school districts, The California School Boards Association, teachers’ unions, the Association of California School Administrators, proud parents and communities, and Chambers of Commerce also contributed support to this bilingual recognition initiative.

A Seal of Biliteracy can be given by individual schools, districts, or regional entities. It is vital that the communities evaluate whether their seal is meant to serve as a work force training initiative, educational innovation initiative, multicultural connection initiative, or a combination of the three. Schools can use assessment and transcripts to certify student proficiency. Some school districts, such as the Anaheim Union High School District and the Los Angeles Unified School District, tie the initiative into their established goals for preparing students to be active and productive members of 21^st century communities. Some districts are also initiating “pathway” awards for younger students to reward and encourage their developments in biliteracy.

Californians Together shares that “Mastery of two or more languages is an important 21st century skill, with economic, social and personal benefits.”

The Seal of Biliteracy Initiative seeks to honor rather than critique biliteracy and all its rewards. It is growing in momentum and popularity across the U.S., with 17 states implementing seals, eight states working on the construction of their seal, and six states in the early stages of seal development.

Bilingual Resources:

• The Latino Family Literacy Project – A program that teaches Spanish-speaking parents how to read with their children, establish a reading routine, and promote learning of the English vocabulary together as a family. https://www.latinoliteracy.com/programs/
• The Latino Family Literacy Project 2016 Workshops: https://www.latinoliteracy.com/workshops/schedule/
• Family Phonics Workbooks: An English vocabulary program for parents and children learning English that uses a simple method to teach parents strong English vocabulary and proper pronunciation through the use of phonics: https://www.lecturabooks.com/family-phonics-workbooks/
• Lectura Books – Publishes award-winning English and Spanish language development books for children of all ages ranging from infants to teenagers.

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Reading aloud also provides children with the ability to learn throughout the story. A child reading on his or her own may continue through the text without absorbing or comprehending what is on the page, which only serves to defeat the purpose. When the teacher reads aloud to the class, comments and explanations can be offered for difficult words or ideas right there on the spot. Through this method, the instructor may also encourage questions and group discussion about what has just been read aloud for a deeper understanding of the material.

Books are, in essence, a visual medium so employing additional visual aids either from the pages of the book itself or from outside resources can also foster a stronger, more effective learning experience. Using various media to dissect words, phrases, and concepts from the book, as it is being read aloud, makes for a more enjoyable way of gaining the knowledge that these students are seeking.

Lectura Books has exceptional bilingual children’s books that will encourage reading aloud. The bold illustrations feature many multicultural experiences that will engage the readers. The Latino Family Literacy Project is an award-winning curriculum for Parent Involvement and is published by Lectura Books. Teachers will learn a whole new framework for understanding how to work with Latino immigrant parents and will be provided with curriculum that is easy-to-follow and engaging to parents. Come join us for breakfast at a workshop, or join us right from your desktop on a live webinar workshop!

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For Latinos and other Hispanic immigrants, the concerns over incarceration, addiction, and economy are also exacerbated by another component that threatens the well-being of the family infrastructure – deportation. Immigration status has lead to a rise in the number of grandparents over the age of 55 who are left caring for their grandchildren due to their biological parents being sent out of the country. But these situations present the added potential obstacle of raising grandchildren without any tangible legal rights. Many grandparents are also undocumented, and they don’t attempt any sort of legal recourse toward custody because they are afraid it will put them in the cross-hairs of the federal government. So these relationships can be tenuous at best, putting at-risk children in more peril of being separated from their families in times of domestic crisis.

Family is the most important thing in our lives, especially to children who are too young to comprehend anything other than being with the people they love and with whom they’ve forged a bond. A stable home is the foundation for success in school. For children living with grandparents, they are already facing an uphill climb, not because their grandparents don’t love them, but because so many of these households have endured hardship to place the grandparents in these roles.

The Latino Family Literacy Project is not only a great program for parents but also for grandparents who are custodial parents.

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No matter how fast or slow ELLs absorb and learn the information that is being imparted to them, teachers must always set high goals for their achievement, even if the students don’t feel such goals are attainable. It is the duty of the teacher to encourage them to strive for accomplishment. This is best achieved through the primary means of language development: speaking, writing, reading and listening. All four of these actions will serve to keep the ELL student fully engaged in practicing the language and will play an even greater part in their development, particularly if English is not spoken or practiced outside of the classroom. One of the most successful methods toward learning a new language is through repetition, but teachers must understand the homes and backgrounds of these children as well. They may have parents or families that are not proficient in English either; therefore, they won’t have the tools or opportunities to practice the language with parents or siblings. So speaking, writing, reading, and listening in class may be the only time they have to get into a routine of repetition in order to comprehend the finer points of their new language.

The Latino Family Literacy Project provides staff development for teachers and school staff to work with Spanish-speaking parents and children for English Language Development for strong literacy and reading skills using our Family Stories Curriculum. Age-specific programs are available starting with Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Elementary, and Middle/High. Register here for a workshop, webinar, or schedule a workshop at your district.

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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.

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