Structured Literacy for L+ Learners

By Kim Lockhart

Overview

This course aims to introduce the science of reading as it relates to additional language acquisition. It is designed for second (L2) and additional language (L+) teachers who are new to reading research and have not used a structured literacy approach to teaching reading and writing. Each module focuses on a broad component of the reading process (word recognition skills, language comprehension, and so on), explains that component, and describes practical classroom strategies that align with the reading research to improve outcomes for L+ learners.

The course is divided into three modules and should take approximately two hours to complete. At the end of each module, you will complete a short quiz (true/false) to check your comprehension.

Overall Learning Goals

• Learn the facts and dispel the myths about additional language acquisition.
• Understand how to use the reading research to teach additional language learners, including those with learning difficulties.
• Know the essential components of a structured literacy approach to reading and writing in an additional language.
• Identify resources (e.g., books, articles, podcasts, and webinars) to continue your learning and deepen your understanding of the reading research and evidence-based practices to support additional language learners.