How to Reach and Teach English Language Learners Paperback - 2011 - 1st Edition

From the rear cover

Written by a former English language learner who later became a classroom teacher and ELL specialist, this hands-on resource offers practical strategies and tools for assessing and teaching even the most hard-to-reach English language learners. The book is filled with the latest information and best practices for classroom teachers working with ELLs.

How to Reach and Teach English Language Learners contains practical suggestions for getting to know the needs of your English learners and provides a wealth of classroom-tested models and measures. These tools have proven to be effective with ESL students at all levels, including long-term English learners. Throughout the book, Syrja not only presents the strategies but also clearly demonstrates how best to implement them in a way that ensures success for your English learners.

How to Reach and Teach English Language Learners contains a wealth of information on a variety of topics including

• Understanding how children acquire language

• Identifying language acquisition levels

• Assessing and grading English language learners

• Connecting with the families of ELLs

• Using the four domains of language

• Making content comprehensible

• Teaching strategies for reading, writing, math, and other content areas

While acknowledging there is no magic bullet to teaching ELLs, the author presents strategies and tools that are designed to help you discover what works for your students.

Praise for How to Reach & Teach English Language Learners

"There couldn't be a more timely book for school leaders today! How to Reach & Teach English Language Learners delivers a compelling message that will inspire others to act and compel educators to create systemic changes that support a long ignored population in school organizations. Rachel Syrja, an educator, consultant, and most importantly, a second language learner herself, helps readers build clarity and gives practical ideas for implementing research-based strategies to improve ELL programs for any district."--Bonnie Bell, Ed.D., assistant superintendent, Claremont Unified School District, Claremont, California

"Rachel Syrja creates a 'one-stop-shop' for educators today. This is an essential and comprehensive resource that is written by a practitioner for practitioners."--Lisa Almeida, director of certification, The Leadership and Learning Center

• Practical, research-based strategies and tools

• Assessment models and teaching tips across all content areas

• Supports the needs of Long-Term English Learners (LTELs)