How Long Does it Take English Language Learners to Acquire English?

How Long Does it Take English Language Learners to Acquire English? When it comes to English language learners (ELL), a common question is how long do they need special services? According to a recent study conducted by Stanford University, in two California districts that are considered the most successful in teaching English to “limited English proficiency” (LEP) students, oral proficiency … Read More

Too Small to Fail Early Literacy Campaign

Too Small to Fail Early Literacy Campaign – Doctors Deliver the Message The national Too Small to Fail Early-Literacy Campaign has enlisted the support of the American Academy of Pediatrics, which means that doctors are now part of this effort to help parents take substantive action to improve the academic success of their children in the 21st century. As reported … Read More

Creating an Anti-bullying Policy at Schools

Does Your School Have an Anti-Bullying Policy? Creating a safe and healthy school environment is a daily, ongoing process. In today’s schools, one of the most important steps toward having a safe and welcoming school setting, is to have an anti-bullying policy in place. All states have either anti-bullying laws or policies. Some have both. In 49 states, bullying is … Read More

English Learners in the United States – a Breakdown

The Spanish language is the second most spoken language in the United States after English. There are more Spanish speakers in the U.S. than there are speakers of Chinese, French, German, Italian, Hawaiian, and the Native American languages combined. And analysis of the 2011 American Community Survey by the Pew Research Center found that a record 37.6 million people ages … Read More

Building Home Libraries for English Learners

One of the services provided by Lectura Books is to work with schools to build lending or home libraries for English learners. The beauty of creating a lending library for students and their families is that it will help them to have the appropriate resources for reading and vocabulary building together. It also provides schools with an opportunity to communicate … Read More

Summer Reading and Activities with English Learners

Are you looking for summer reading and activities with English Learners? Below is a list of various books and suggestions to help Spanish speaking kids develop their interest in reading and also learn English at the same time. Many bilingual books can be turned into activities for kids to do with their parents, so that their parents also have the … Read More

The Secret Lives of Bilingual Books on Huff Post

As published on Huffington Post March 31, 2015 Many Americans are familiar with well-known mainstream children’s books such as the Dr. Seuss series, Goodnight Moon and Where the Wild Things Are. But what about Americans who come from another culture, speak another language or are bilingual? What children’s books are there for them and their families? This group, until recently, … Read More

How to Involve Latino Parents in the School-Going Culture

How to Involve Latino Parents in the School-Going Culture The key is to be cost-effective and specific in your efforts. You know there is a big gap in the test scores of Latino children and their counterparts. And you know that you must involve parents to help close this gap. All of your parent involvement efforts must be very specific … Read More

Texas Library Association selects two Lectura Books’ bilingual titles

Texas Library Association recently announced their Tejas Star Reading List for 2014-2015 selection and two of Lectura Books’ bilingual book titles made the list! Letters Forever Letters Forever – Letters Forever is an Elementary bilingual book about a young girl in San Antonio, Texas who misses her grandfather, who lives in Vera Cruz, Mexico. One day, she cannot take it … Read More

A. Providence Talks – Putting the Research into Practice

A. Providence Talks – Putting the Research into Practice A new idea is taking hold throughout America. The earlier and the more often you talk to your baby, the better. The evidence is clear. According to research conducted by Betty Hart and Todd R. Risley and published in their book, Meaningful Differences in the Everyday Experiences of Young American Children … Read More