Second Language Acquisition: Dr. Stephen Krashen
I learned how language acquisition is natural human learning process from Dr. Krashen.
Stephen Krashen’s Theory of Language Acquisition
A concise summary of Krashen’s hypotheses.
Books and Articles by Stephen Krashen
Language acquisition, bilingual education, education reform
Brain-based Teaching and Learning
Research on learning and brain functions has exploded in recent years. This new knowledge forces us to rethink how languages are taught and to question commonly held beliefs about how proficiency develops. Dr. Eric Jensen, expert on the brain and learning says, “…humans are designed to learn complex languages effortlessly. The reality is, therefore, that language fluency ought to be a joyful process.”
Joyful Fluency, Lynn Dhority with Eric Jensen
Practical classroom strategies in alignment with several brain-based approaches to language acquisition. Read any of Dr. Jensen’s well-known titles such as Super Teaching, Teaching with the Brain in Mind and Teaching with Poverty in Mind.
Brain Rules, John Medina
Medina explains brain functions and learning with everyday language and memorable story examples. Every educator needs to know these basics. Read the book and/or enjoy the YouTube videos on the website.
Reading
The Power of Reading and Free Voluntary Reading by Stephen Krashen
The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease
Literature for Language Learners
Graded readers are leveled for novice, intermediate and advanced language learners. As they build confidence and read more, students progress into the ability to read authentic texts.
Novels by Mira Canion
Each story takes place in a real historical setting
La vampirata, Agentes Secretos, Rebeldes en Tejas and Piratas
Teacher resources for Rebeldes en Tejas and Piratas
Novels by Blaine Ray
Multiple titles in several levels: Chinese, French, German, Spanish and Russian
Novels by Carol Gaab
New Spanish and French books at various levels. Search the site for even more titles.
TPR Total Physical Response created by Dr. James Asher
I learned how teaching language as a parent teaches a child can work for any teacher of any language with any age learner from James Asher.
Learning Another Language Through Actions by James Asher
Instructor’s Notebook: How to Apply TPR for Best Results by Ramiro Garcia
Teaching English Through Actions, 101 Lesson Plans by Berty Segal Cook
(Also available in Spanish, French, German, Japanese and Russian)
I learned a great deal about sequencing and scaffolding easy to complex TPR from Berty! This book has excellent step-by-step instructions for the teacher and ideas for expanding TPR into future and past tense lessons.
TPRS, Blaine Ray, creator
Teaching for Proficiency Through Reading and Storytelling:
I learned the power of teaching narrative and how to “let go” of the grammar-based syllabus from Blaine.
Fluency Through TPR Storytelling by Blaine Ray
