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April 2025

Dear Subscribers,

We have several resources focused on young English language learners (ELLs) this month.

To see new resources as soon as they come out, check out our social media channels:

Sincerely, 

Lydia Breiseth
Director, Colorín Colorado 



In this issue:

In the News

 

Want to raise bilingual kids? First, let go of a common myth

Speech pathologists offer parents real-world advice on how to incorporate a second language with their kids at home — and demystify a misconception about bilingualism in this segment from NPR's Life Kit.

This Month's Highlights

 

Survey: Using AI in ELL Instruction

 
We are creating new materials about using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ELL instruction and want to hear from you! Please take a moment to complete our brief survey and share your feedback.

You can see additional tips in Supporting ELL Instruction with AI: Ideas for Educators.

New on Colorín Colorado

 

How to Support Young Children in Immigrant Families: Tip Sheet

Learn how educators and administrators in early childhood programs and preschools can support young children whose families are facing uncertainty.

See more information in our in-depth article on the same topic.

In the Classroom

 

What Works for Young Multilingual Learners

This new two-part series was written for Colorín Colorado by early childhood expert Karen Nemeth:

Karen Nemeth, Ed.M., is an experienced author, consultant, presenter and advocate in support of improving early childhood education for children from diverse language backgrounds. You can find more resources and her featured titles at Language Castle.

Recommended Resources

 

Being Your Child’s Most Important Teacher: A Guide for Families with Young Children

By Dr. Rebecca Palacios, available in English and Spanish

With this book, nationally renowned educator Dr. Rebecca A. Palacios provides families with ideas for learning opportunities that can happen every day. The book includes a variety of learning activities that boost literacy, math, and science skills.

Dr. Rebecca Palacios: Bilingual Video Interview


Dr. Rebecca Palacios is a former preschool teacher and teacher mentor, as well as a founding member and former vice chair of the National Board For Professional Teaching Standards. In addition, she is the first Latina to be inducted into the Teachers Hall of Fame. Her interview with Colorín Colorado includes:
  • English interview: Dr. Palacios speaks about the benefits of dual language programs and what makes a dual language program — particularly for young children — successful.

  • Spanish interview: Dr. Palacios shares tips for families on how to support young children’s learning at home, as well as information on the benefits of preschool and school partnerships. (English transcript available)

Family Resources and Outreach

 

Family Literacy Tips for All Families: Video Series in English and Spanish


All families can help their children become readers! These videos offer practical tips for all families on how to support reading at home. These videos are available in English and Spanish and feature early literacy expert Bernadette Pilar Zermeño.

A related family engagement guide offers ideas for workshop and outreach activities.
Family Literacy Tips for Young Children: Talking Together

Books and Authors

Spanish Is My Superpower! (Sesame Street Friends)

Spanish Is My Superpower! (Sesame Street)Rosita and her Mami are told not to speak Spanish at the supermarket. While discussing the upsetting encounter with her friends, Rosita is reminded how smart and special she is to speak two languages — and that the ability to do so is like having a superpower!

A related Sesame Street video brings this situation to life below.

You can also see our multilingual video series, "Being Bilingual Is a Superpower!" A family engagement guide is available for this series.
Video: Spanish Is My Superpower!

TV Tie-Ins: PBS Kids Booklist

These books are related to popular public television programs from PBS, such as Alma's Way, Molly of Denali, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Wild Kratts, and Sesame Street.

Note: PBS Kids offers multimedia games in Spanish.

Recommended Books for Young Children

These themed booklists for young children (babies, toddlers, and PreK/K) introduce a wide range of concepts, themes, and activities sure to spark lots of imagination, conversation, and learning!

You can also browse titles for young children in our new Colorín Colorado Book Finder!

Read Across America: Reading Diverse Books All Year Long!


NEA’s 2024-25 Read Across America digital calendar highlights a monthly theme and a related picture book, middle grade book, and YA book. Each title includes activity suggestions, questions for discussion or reflective writing, related resources, and more titles to try. April’s theme is Share Your Poetic Voice.

 

Support Colorín Colorado!

teal flowerYour donation to Colorín Colorado helps us continue providing the best ELL resources for educators and families. Thank you!

Note: Colorín Colorado is a non-profit public media project based at PBS station WETA in Washington, DC.
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