Teaching English Language Learners Across the Content Areas

by Judie Haynes, Debbie Zacarian

Strategies, tools, tips, and examples that teachers can use to help English language learners at all levels flourish in mainstream classrooms.

Genres: Education

200 pages, Unknown Binding

First published February 1, 2010

Reviews

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I disagree with some of their ideas about writing instruction. Maybe they were focusing on newcomer/beginner and I work with intermediate/advanced, but it felt like they were watering down curricula for them (which, throughout the text, they insist on the importance of not doing this). They seemed against the idea of allowing students to write essays, long pieces of writing, etc.

ELLs can write essays. ELLs can do literary analysis. Does it take longer? Absolutely. But do not get rid of these crucial parts of critical thinking development because they "can't do it."

[Tina Shirey · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are new to working with English Language Learners, then this book would be a valuable resource in your room. It is easy to read and several valuable strategies and ideas are given in each chapter. Haynes and Zacarian have several years of experience with ELLs and have written many books and articles on the topic. If you are not new to working with ELLs, this book is still valuable. I found myself taking notes on each chapter. It's always good to refresh your thinking and teaching.
I think this book would be a great option for a book study during the summer or beginning of the year. Some chapters I found very valuable were Reading Comprehension Instruction, Writing Instruction, Homework and Assessment, and Communicating with Families. There were several pages of guidelines in the Homework and Assessment chapter that I am planning on sharing with staff. After reading, I plan on sharing ideas from each chapter monthly with my staff next year.

[Athornton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some typos in the book but easy to digest and helpful suggestions and examples.