"This book is one of the best I′ve read on how the brain functions in second language learners and is invaluable for understanding ELLs with learning disabilities." —Irma Guadarrama, Professor University of Texas-Pan American College of Education "David Sousa brings together all of the research about the brain to show the process of learning multiple languages and offers ways to implement effective teaching strategies with quality instruction." —Sharon Latimer, ESL Teacher Plano ISD, TX Raise your ELL success quotient and watch student achievement soar! Teachers are more likely to succeed if they have a deeper understanding of the challenges students face in trying to learn English and course content simultaneously. How the ELL Brain Learns combines current research on how the brain learns language with strategies for teaching English language learners in K–12 classrooms. Award-winning author and brain research expert David A. Sousa describes the linguistic reorganization needed to acquire another language after the age of 5 years. He supplements this information with immediately applicable tools, including: A self-assessment pretest for gauging your understanding of how the brain learns languages Ready-to-use brain-compatible strategies for teaching English learners across the curriculum An entire chapter about how to detect English language learning problems, with sections on the social, cultural, and physical causes Each chapter features teaching tips that translate the research into step-by-step classroom applications. Also included are intervention strategies to use with struggling ELLs, including methods for working with older students.

Table of Contents:
List of Teaching Tips About the Author Acknowledgments Introduction Who are English Language Learners? About This Book What Do You Already Know? 1. Learning the First Language(s) Spoken Language Comes Naturally Structure of Language Levels of Language Comprehension Learning Two First Languages What′s Coming Key Points to Ponder 2. Learning a New Language (English) Later The Challenge of Acquiring a New Language Later Learning English Is Not Easy What’s Coming Key Points to Ponder 3. Teaching English Language Listening and Speaking Searching for the Best Model Listening Speaking What′s Coming Teaching Tips Key Points to Ponder 4. Teaching English Language Reading and Writing Reading Writing What′s Coming Teaching Tips Key Points to Ponder 5. Teaching Language Arts and Social Studies The Language Components of Learning Content in English Teaching English Language Arts to ELLs Teaching Social Studies to ELLs What’s Coming Teaching Tips Key Points to Ponder 6. Teaching Mathematics and Science Teaching Mathematics to ELLs Teaching Science to ELLs What’s Coming Teaching Tips Key Points to Ponder 7. Recognizing and Addressing Problems in Learning English Learning Problem or Learning Disability? Helping ELLs With Learning Disabilities What’s Coming Teaching Tips Key Points to Ponder 8. Putting It All Together The Diversity of English Language Learners Misconceptions About ELLs and English Language Acquisition Basic Components for ELL Instruction Gifted and Talented ELLs Conclusion Teaching Tips Key Points to Ponder Glossary References Resources Index