Customer Reviews

Getting Started with English Language Learners: How Educators Can Meet the Challenge

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Written by veteran elementary ESL teacher Judie Haynes, Getting Started with English Language Learners: How Educators Can Meet the Challenge is an in-depth guide for schoolteachers to encouraging English language learners to participate in class, help them feel more comfortable around other students, and above all, help them succeed. Packed with tips, tricks, techniques, and wisdom borne of 26 years of experience, Getting Started with English Language Learners is especially valuable for educators who are new to the ESL field yet recommended to ESL teachers of all experience levels. "Because many ELLs simply memorize material for a test and don't understand what they have learned, teachers need to develop alternative assessments specifically for ELLs. These assessments should provide teachers with a realistic picture of what individual ELLs can do without focusing unduly on what they can't do." From basic concepts of second-language acquisition theory, to the best way to handle newcomers' first weeks of school, to differentiating instruction for English language learners, programs for English language learners, and more, Getting Started with English Language Learners is a top-quality resource.

Judye Haynes has written the most informative, helpful, easily read and understood book on adressing the needs of second language learners on the market today. Her information is specific without being overpowering, germane without being verbose, and totally comprehensible for both those who are currently in the field of second language learning and those just entering.

One of the outstanding features of the book is a section on cultural issues. Scenarios from actual teachers' experiences with ELL students and their parents are described and then explained against the backdrop of cultural differences. This approach lends itself to greater understanding of cultures different than our own and sparks excellent discussion topics. The information in the book could easily be adapted to a staff development format. Indeed, Ms. Haynes encourages this approach for using her book.

I highly reccomend this book for anyone interfacing with ELL students. It should be a "must read" and a ready resource for every administrator and teacher who find themselves responsible for guiding second language students in their quest for academic success.

Kudos to you, Judye Hayes, and thank you for giving us an outstanding resource!

Carole Hudson
ESL Teacher
Johnson City Schools
Johnson City, Tennessee