WRiTE BRAiN BOOKS and our uniquely engaging program are excellent developmental tools for English Language Learners. The number of English Language Learners in classrooms across the United States continues to grow, and we at WRiTE BRAiN are committed to giving each ELL student opportunities, not simply to acclimate and adapt, but to thrive. When WRiTE BRAiN BOOKS launched in 2014, we piloted our creative writing program in a California school district where ELLs were the majority of the student population, many from homes where no English was not spoken. WRiTE BRAiN was a great success—kids became published authors and were amazed at what they accomplished. Their parents and community were …show more content…
This can be hard enough for any student, but ELLs, who may be struggling with identifying words in a new and unfamiliar language face additional challenges. With our wordless picture books, the sequential illustrations are the only information, and therefore, close viewing is required. By beginning with close viewing, ELLs may have greater success with developing critical thinking skills and habits before moving on to close reading. By studying the vivid artwork, students learn to express themselves and their unique ideas to peers and readers in a way that is compelling, thoughtful, and always improving. Throughout the writing process, students are encouraged to consider their audience of young readers rather than their teacher and test scores—to feel empowered by language as a way to contribute, convey, and create …show more content…
The U.S. population has changed dramatically with nearly 30 million immigrants, both authorized and undocumented, settling in America over the past three decades. A less studied, but perhaps vastly more important area of interest, is the effect of immigration on U.S. classrooms.
• In 2004-2005, approximately 5.1 million or 10.5 percent of the U.S. student population are English-language learners
• Approximately 79 percent of ELLs nationally are from Spanish-language backgrounds
• While English learners reside throughout the United States, they are heavily concentrated in the six states of Arizona, California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois
• These six states contain 61 percent of the nation’s ELL