Teaching English Language Learners in Reading and Writing Workshops

In our increasingly diverse classrooms, teachers are regularly called to teach writing and English.

In Up Close Amanda Hartman, a staff developer with the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, models ways to confer and teach English language learners of varying writing and speaking abilities. Eleven live-from-the-classroom videos, supported by optional voice-over coaching commentary, show practical ways to:

• scaffold language and writing skills in ways that help young writers move from social language to more academic language
• introduce classroom routines that build continuity and collaboration
• implement strategies that help all students approximate written and spoken English to the best of their ability.
• By modeling instruction that supports all students in writing the stories of their lives, Up Close will build your confidence in working with children who speak languages other than English.