This timely and incisive book examines the ways in which English
language proficiencies develop in newly arrived immigrant students.
Beginning by describing the challenges faced by children who currently
attend segregated schools in many parts of the country, the authors
offer a detailed account of the developing English language
proficiencies of K-3 children from one after-school intervention
program. Using the experiences of these children as a lens, the authors
debunk commonly held views of young children as rapid and effortless
learners of new languages.
Essential reading for classroom teachers, students, researchers, and
policymakers, this authoritative book:
- Offers principles for designing an integrated practice for educating
English language learners.
- Describes interactions between volunteer "English Buddies" and ELL
children to highlight ways in which children begin to comprehend and
produce English.
- Includes examples of materials and activities that can be used with
young ELL children to engage them in new-language interactions.
- Analyzes the effectiveness of current practices designed to accelerate
the second language acquisition process.