Understanding Language in Diverse Classrooms: A Primer for All Teachers

Given the increasing linguistic and cultural diversity of American students, it is important for all teachers, regardless of content area or grade level, to be knowledgeable about research-based instructional strategies to assist all students#xE2;#xAC;" learning #xE2;#x1D;#xAC; especially ELLs. This practical, concise guide to what all teachers need to know about language, how it is learned, and how it is used presents key concepts and insights for future and practicing teachers about how to teach language/literacy in their subject areas. Designed to help teachers modify their instructional plans to maximize the education of students from varied backgrounds, Understanding Language in Diverse Classroomsprovides critical information on language diversity in America and the relationship of languages to culture. Helpful features include hands-on materials such as sample lessons, assessments, and student work; cases from successful classrooms; checklists of practices to help teachers prepare for the challenge of diverse classrooms; and comparison charts showing how the most common heritage languages represented in American classrooms compare with English. Each chapter includes questions and reflection/discussion topics on major chapter points.