This article advances a framework for early language and literacy development among young English language learners (ELLs). A dual-language book project undertaken in partnership with a local elementary school provides a context within which to address children's need to negotiate language, culture, and identity as they transition and make meaning…

Study of the effect of supplying audio tapes to accompany leisure reading books in Irish found that the tapes considerably increased native-English-speaking elementary school students' motivation to read, facilitated comprehension, and increased the children's reading rate and pronunciation accuracy. (36 references) (Author/CB)

Describes how the author transformed her teaching of foreign language to middle school students through her use of authentic German children's picture books. Discusses criteria for choosing picture books for foreign language classrooms and argues that these books provide students with a much richer learning experience of both language and culture.…