Balancing Reading and Language Learning

This essential guide tackles the complex challenge of teaching literacy to elementary-aged English language learners by merging proven reading instruction with thoughtful language acquisition strategies. Mary Cappellini provides a practical framework for creating a balanced literacy program that doesn't treat a student's native language as a deficit but rather honors their existing linguistic and cultural assets. The book moves beyond theory to offer concrete classroom practices that simultaneously build reading skills and English proficiency. Educators will find a comprehensive approach that respects the whole child while delivering effective instruction.

What sets this resource apart is its seamless integration of reading pedagogy and second-language development, making it invaluable for both general education teachers and ESL specialists working with K-5 students. Cappellini demonstrates how to scaffold instruction so that learning to read and learning English become mutually supportive processes rather than competing priorities. Classroom teachers seeking to create more inclusive, effective literacy blocks will discover actionable methods for meeting diverse learner needs. This book ultimately provides the roadmap for developing literacy programs where multilingual students don't just learn to read—they thrive as readers.