language and the language needed for
academic success are distinct (Cummins, 2000).
But, second language learners can be and are
successful in literacy learning in their second
language.
What literacy work can students do
at the various levels of language
proficiency?
Beginning language proficiency. While focusing
on relevant content, ELLs with beginning
language proficiency can work with more
proficient students in translation activities or
parents could be asked to help translate for
them. These students can copy words and lists
and collect picture word banks built around
common themes such as school, family,
interests, or activities to help learners put
words on paper. Handwriting skills are an
important part of the process of learning to
write effectively. Because they are working
with two languages, ELLs experience more
cognitive demand in writing, so teachers should
make sure students’ handwriting is fluent
(Lenski & Verbruggen, 2010). Sentence starters
or other types of sen ѕ