No Limits to Literacy for Preschool English Learners [Paperback]

Theresa A. (Ann) Roberts (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1412965640 | ISBN-13: 978-1412965644 | Publication Date: January 12, 2009

Combining theory with proven teaching strategies, this resource helps preschool educators produce strong language and literacy outcomes for English learners ages 3 to 5.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This welcome and much needed resource for early education professionals is solidly based on the research on early literacy and language development, and on Roberts’ extensive and thoughtful experience in effective instructional applications for English learners.

Roberts draws from a wide arc of research to inform preschool instruction that promotes second-language and literacy skills. The book lays out high and attainable expectations for preschool environments for English learners. Chapters cover all aspects of a high quality preschool classroom, from sound alphabetic instruction to strategies for fostering collaborative and respectful relationships with families. Along the way Roberts corrects misconceptions about effective teaching practices for English learners, and clarifies the interactive nature of L1 and L2 development.

The book is certain to become a well worn resource for early childhood educators and for teacher preparation courses. Each chapter clearly summarizes teaching and educational principles that follow from the research, and outlines engaging exercises that allow practitioners to integrate new knowledge into their own teaching repertoires. Chapters can be read to deepen understanding of instructional principles, to refine teaching practices, or to evaluate early literacy curricula. The book is written with the clarity to inspire confidence in teachers to translate research evidence and theory into effective and engaging learning activities.

(Patricia Vadasy )

"A well-organized text offering theory and application related to second language instruction. This is a useful tool for any educator to have in his or her resource library." (Susan B. Neuman, Professor )

“This book offers a foundation in language and literacy that greatly benefits dual language learners." (Pamela S. Allen, Lead Teacher/Gifted Facilitator )

"This welcome and much needed resource for early education professionals is solidly based on the research on early literacy and language development and on Roberts’ extensive and thoughtful experience in effective instructional applications for English learners. The book is written with the clarity to inspire confidence in teachers to translate research evidence and theory into effective and engaging learning activities." (Patricia Vadasy, Senior Researcher )

"A powerful contribution to the field of early literacy. Highlighting the quality of the language model as one of the most important resources for language development, Roberts weaves a rich tapestry of research and practical application and helps us understand what this means for embracing our work with ELLs." (Molly F. Collins, Assistant Professor )

About the Author

Theresa Roberts is currently a professor of child development at California State University, Sacramento. She has published studies on early literacy development with a focus on children who are learning English as a second language in journals such as Reading Research Quarterly, Journal of Educational Psychology, and Contemporary Educational Psychology. Her research interests include alphabet and vocabulary learning, classroom instruction experiments, and family engagement. She has collaborated with preschool and elementary teachers to develop instruction programs and teacher training on these topics. She was a member of the panel of experts that developed the State of California Prekindergarten Guidelines. She also serves as a research consultant for the California Preschool Instructional Network (CPIN) and is a consultant on an Early Reading First grant. She is an elected voting member of the Society for the Scientific Study of Reading, a reviewer for the Journal of Educational Psychology and Applied Linguistics, and sits on the editorial board of Reading Psychology. She earned her doctorate from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Corwin Press (January 12, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1412965640
• ISBN-13: 978-1412965644
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #395,660 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for All Preschool Teachers, June 27, 2010

By 

Vanessa Levin "www_pre-kpages_com" (Dallas TX USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: No Limits to Literacy for Preschool English Learners (Paperback)

I am an early childhood specialist in a public school district and I discovered this book when I was looking for an early literacy book for our pre-kindergarten teachers to study. Since our public pre-k program is for English Language Learners this book seemed to fit the bill nicely. When it arrived I realized it not only fit the bill but it was absolutely perfect. No Limits to Literacy discusses in great depth the best practices in early childhood literacy which was just what I needed for our book study. While it does address English Language Learners, it is also very appropriate for native English speakers as well. The book covers all the components of phonological awareness, parent involvement, assessment, curriculum and much more. I can't recommend this book enough, I think it should be required reading for every preschool teacher; public, private, home-based, or Head Start. If every preschool teacher in the U.S. followed the teaching practices in this book we would have high-quality programs throughout the country.

5.0 out of 5 stars A lot of food for thought, December 4, 2011

By 

Fazal Imamudeen - See all my reviews
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This review is from: No Limits to Literacy for Preschool English Learners (Kindle Edition)

This book really synthesizes the research done on second language learners in the early years. It is well organized and easy to read. Personally it has really helped me to use the most appropriate methods and prioritize the skills that I want my esl students to master. I couldn't recommend it enough-- even for folks who don't teach esl.

5.0 out of 5 stars No Limits to Literacy for Preschool English Learners (Paperback) by Theresa A. Roberts, August 6, 2010

By 

B. J. Galvin "Spirits & angels" (AZ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: No Limits to Literacy for Preschool English Learners (Paperback)

Excellent book for educators, administrators -- great resource for Pre K teachers of all children.....but especially nice for second language learners! Great resource!!!