This practical book will help early childhood teachers (preK–2) understand and respond to the multiple influences (school, home, and societal) that affect emergent bilingual children's academic achievement. The author explains the foundations of first- and second-language development and then provides teaching and curriculum practices specific to reading and English language arts. Chapters address incorporating first-language strengths, acquiring a second language, learning to read, building vocabulary, comprehending and thinking with text and language, helping children persevere, and more. Approaches for collaborating with families accompany each chapter. This book is designed to help teachers understand the underlying principles so they can modify, develop, and adjust their practice to be most effective for the emergent bilingual children they teach. It is a valuable resource for developing bilingual programs, teacher preparation, and professional development.

"An excellent resource for PreK–2 educators who need to know how to effectively implement school standards and fortify children's primary languages to guarantee their success."

—Anita Pandey, Morgan State University & Author, Language Building Blocks: Essential Linguistics for Early Childhood Educators

"It is rare to find a scholar with as much commitment to making research real for teachers as Theresa Roberts. This book is a gift to teachers and to teacher education."

—Sharon Walpole, Delaware University

"This book offers critical information that will enable educators to start students down the road of literacy and language mastery from the moment they enter a classroom."

—Sara Tellman Veloz, founder, Buckerfield Educational Consulting, Inc.