The Language-Rich Classroom: A Research-Based Framework for Teaching English Language Learners

Today’s multilingual classrooms challenge even the best teachers' skills. As teachers strive to help all students reach their full potential, the needs of English language learners (ELLs) can seem overwhelming.

In The Language-Rich Classroom, educators and consultants Pérsida and William Himmele present a five-part, research-based framework--CHATS--that teachers can use to help ELLs, as well as other students, attain greater language skills and deeper content comprehension. This field-tested framework includes diagnostic tools, comprehensive overviews on second-language acquisition, and teaching techniques to boost language learning in any classroom.  The CHATS framework provides teachers with

C = content reading strategies,

H = higher-order thinking skills,

A = assessment tools,

T = total participation techniques, and

S = scaffolding strategies

The book also contains helpful planning worksheets, assessment logs, and scaffolding tools. Teachers will also find more than 25 classroom and team-building activities and specific tips about how these activities benefit ELLs. The Language-Rich Classroom is an invaluable resource that will help teachers foster greater gains in students’ language development, increase their comprehension across all subject areas, and build classrooms that are engaging and welcoming to students of all cultures.