English Language Learners - by Larry Ferlazzo (Paperback)

About the Book

"...offers educators a five-step method for teaching this burgeoning [ELL] population...the five principles around which the process revolves are: building relationships, assessing prior knowledge through student stories, developing student leadership, learning by doing, and reflection...In addition to providing detailed lessons, the book shares a framework teachers can use to create their own lessons, and it shows how to take advantage of technology and games as teaching tools. References to extensive research studies are included...and each lesson is linked to state standards in English language development." -- taken from back cover.

Book Synopsis

This unique new perspective and method for teaching English Language Learners is the proven result of the author's community organizing career and his successful career in the classroom.

Written by an award-winning practitioner, English Language Learners: Teaching Strategies that Work offers educators a five-step methodology for teaching this burgeoning population. Rather than viewing these students through the typical lens of "deficits" they might have, the process helps educators recognize and use the assets ELLs bring to the classroom.

The five principles around which the process revolves are: building relationships, accessing prior knowledge through student stories, developing student leadership, learning by doing, and reflection. The book shows how these ideas can be used in all subject areas to help ELLs master both content and language using "high-order" thinking skills. In addition to providing detailed lessons, the book shares a framework teachers can use to create their own lessons, and it shows how to take advantage of technology and games as teaching tools. References to extensive research studies are included to provide evidence of effectiveness, and each lesson is linked to state standards in English Language development.

Review Quotes

"If you agree that ELL and other students considered 'high-need' are often treated as individuals with deficits to be addressed rather than potential to be developed, you'll find important messages ... in Larry's latest book." --Teacher Leaders Network

"What stands out about Larry Ferlazzo's new book...from others that describe strategies to engage high school ELLs are his suggestions for how to encourage such students to be leaders." --Education Week

"If you're stuck on how to become a better ELL teacher beyond the instruction, this book is for you." --Teacher Leaders Network

"...an invaluable and instructive introduction for classroom teachers and their aides. . . . offers practical ideas and detailed lessons that take useful advantage of technology and games as teaching tools, create and adapt lessons to individual student needs, and so much more. Informed and informative, English Language Learners is enhanced with references to extensive research students and the linking of each individual lesson with state standards in English language development, making it a core addition to ESL and ELL instruction guide reference collections." --Midwest Book Review

"This useful title contains a lot of good information for teachers and English language learners. . . . It is packed with practical, pertinent ideas and activities. Recommended." --Library Media Connection

About the Author

Larry Ferlazzo teaches English Language Learners at Luther Burbank High School, Sacramento, CA.