Navigating Literacy: Unveiling Strategies for Effective Language Learning and Teaching

Jessyca Lucero-Flores

December 20, 2023

If you've been scrolling through Instagram Reels or TikTok, you've likely stumbled upon those entertaining clips sharing tips on learning a new language. Some playfully jest that it's "easy but be careful." These videos, initially in French and Spanish, now seem to explore languages beyond the romantic ones.

"How do you say 'when' in Spanish?" – "Cuando"

What about 'you tell'? – "Cuentas"

Stories? – "Cuentos"

And 'how many'? – "Cuantos"

You count? – "Cuenta"

Feeling perplexed yet?

Learning a new language is undeniably challenging. Add the simultaneous mastery of academic content, and the complexity intensifies, especially for students. For many, it's far from intuitive.

Recent data highlights a noticeable rise in English Learners in our education systems. Yet, let's consider that all students are English Learners. Simple to state, yet not easy to discern. Prioritizing strong Tier 1 instruction, focusing on literacy - encompassing reading, writing, speaking, and listening, can yield significant progress.

By embracing the mindset that all students are English Learners, we ensure the implementation of the most effective, research-based strategies available. Today's students navigate a digital era vastly different from the analog experiences of previous generations. Our new millennial teachers grapple with challenges akin to those faced by their students.

In my upbringing, my family actively participated in my literacy journey. I vividly recall sitting on a blanket painstakingly crafted by my grandmother, learning sounds at the tender ages of two and three. Progressively, the journey continued from being read to, to reading aloud to my parents at bedtime. The systematic approach to reading, starting from decoding, phonological awareness, to sight recognition, gradually evolved. Subsequently, in school, this foundation facilitated deeper reading, integrating background knowledge, diverse vocabulary, and sophisticated syntax structures - all tactfully guided by the educators in my life.

Reading essentially reshapes our brains. The method of delivery significantly impacts this process. For instance, reading a physical newspaper versus its online counterpart employs distinct sets of reading skills. Personally, I find myself patiently perusing a physical newspaper cover-to-cover, while on my phone, I tend to skim through headlines.

I consider myself fortunate to have had the privilege of a nurturing reading environment at home, fostering a lifelong love for reading. Regrettably, not all students are as lucky. Recent statistics indicate that 130 million adults between 16-74 are categorized as illiterate. Students born into such environments are likely to perpetuate this cycle across generations, entering our classrooms at various educational levels.

Educators bear the crucial responsibility of teaching students to read, write, speak, and listen effectively in English, while also infusing enthusiasm for literacy. Literacy, indeed, serves as a critical social determinant of health and a broader societal issue.

Returning to our Spanish lesson, "Cuando cuentas cuentos, cuenta cuántos cuentos cuentas?" If we persist in teaching our students this way, what progress can we expect in their learning? Let's consider the English language and the potential confusion posed by homographs, depending on the context. "I was wearing a bow while shooting a bow, and then I bowed after I won." Still baffling, isn't it?

So, how do we break down this complexity into manageable segments?

Firstly, foster a laser-like focus on literacy and strong Tier-1 instruction within your leadership teams. Secondly, establish the understanding that all teachers are literacy teachers. Convincing a math teacher of this might require finesse, as I experienced during my tenure as a high school principal. It's essential to elucidate the "why" and introduce adaptable strategies applicable across various subjects. Thirdly, limit your focus to 4-5 key strategies annually, allowing teachers to experiment, seek guidance, and model for one another. Lastly, celebrate the victories. In one of my recent schools, emphasizing literacy, mainly through vocabulary strategies, led to a 15% improvement in scores among English Learners.

In my experience, vocabulary strategies offer the most accessible entry point for all teachers. Without a firm grasp of words in context, students might struggle to progress. Remember, hope is not a strategy. Consider implementing some of these Tier-1 vocabulary strategies instead:

 Encoding Strategies: Introductions that "reach" students

o Graffiti Graphics: Foster word association through creative expression

o Dump and Clump: Categorize and label words to enhance understanding

o Word Splash: Encourage meaning-making through concept association

Retrieval Strategy: Foster review for enhanced automaticity

o Cloudy or Clear: Employ a formative assessment technique to engage all students

o Vocabulary Association Triangles: Establish word-context associations for enhanced comprehension

May the story you weave reflect your students' continued learning and proficiency through purposeful literacy practices.

 References:

 Reading the numbers: 130 million American adults have low literacy skills. APM Research Lab. (n.d.). https://www.apmresearchlab.org/10x-adult-literacy

Klein, E. (n.d.). This Conversation About the “Reading Mind” Is a Gift The Ezra Klein Show Society & Culture. episode.

 Sprenger, M. (2017). 101 strategies to make academic vocabulary stick. ASCD.