Literacy Instruction
- What are the differences in instructional approach and sequencing in English and Spanish language arts? Does this vary by program model and grade level?
- How much coordination should there be in literacy instruction across the two languages? Does this vary by program model or grade level?
- What literacy skills transfer across English and Spanish and which need to be taught explicitly in each language?
- Are there standards for Spanish language arts? Should they be different for L1 and L2 learners?
- What characteristics are important when choosing basal readers and other curricular materials for Spanish literacy instruction in TWI programs?
- What literacy skills are taught through the content areas and what are taught through language arts lessons?
- How do you teach a classroom of students with varying levels of literacy and reading readiness?
- Are any special supports given to students while they are developing literacy skills in their second language as opposed to their first?
5. What characteristics are important when choosing basal readers and other curricular materials for Spanish literacy instruction in TWI programs?
Literacy specialists recommend high-interest materials that take into account students’ backgrounds, levels of proficiency, and learning preferences. In TWI programs, the following types of reading materials are particularly appropriate:
- Original texts in the partner language, rather than translations of English resources. Translated texts undermine the goal of cross-cultural awareness and true biculturalism, as they lack authenticity of themes, character motivation, and underlying values represented. The language is also unnatural and is not designed to capitalize on the playfulness, rhythm, and rhyme of each language.
- Texts that relate to students’ backgrounds
- Leveled texts (see Question #10 in the Language Development section)
- Both fiction and nonfiction books in a variety of genres and by many different authors
- A combination of language rich materials that allow for teaching part to whole aspects of literacy.