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Article
Enhancing English Learners' Language Development Using Wordless Picture Books
The Reading Teacher
  • Belinda Louie, University of Washington Tacoma
  • Jarek Sierschynski
Publication Date
7-1-2015
Document Type
Article
Abstract

This article presents an approach to use wordless picture books to enhance the language development of English language learners. This approach is grounded in best practices to teach ELLs. The process starts with viewing and analyzing the visual images, engaging ELLs in discussion, and ending with students' self-authored texts. The wordless picture books contain all the literary elements and text structures that books with text have. Wordless picture books, without the language demands, invite ELLs to share the reading experience and to construct meaning from the viewing experience. Since wordless picture books vary in its complexity, booklist indicating level of complexity with annotations is provided for K-5 students. Classroom discussion and writing samples are also included to demonstrate the four stages of this instructional approach.

DOI
10.1002/trtr.1376
Publisher Policy
post-print (with 6 month embargo)
Open Access Status
OA Deposit
Citation Information
Belinda Louie and Jarek Sierschynski. "Enhancing English Learners' Language Development Using Wordless Picture Books" The Reading Teacher Vol. 69 Iss. 1 (2015) p. 103 - 111
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/belinda-louie/22/