Could Bilingual Education Mold Kids’ Brains to Better Resist Distraction?

For decades, psychologists cautioned against raising children bilingual. They warned parents and teachers that learning a second language as a child was bad for brain development. But recent studies have found exactly the opposite. Researchers now believe that when people learn another language, they develop cognitive advantages that improve their attention, self-control and ability to […]

5 Ways School Principals Can Support English Learners

English language learners (ELLs) bring a wealth of experiences from their families, homes, neighborhoods, and communities to school. Children with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds have stories and experiences that are unique and will enrich the culture of your school. School principals need to use these experiences to help general education staff and students begin […]

Learning Two Languages Does Not Limit Academic Potential for Head Start Students

Not all dual-language learners are at risk academically, but as a group, these students are often labeled as such, despite differences in their English skills. Not all dual-language learners are at risk academically, but as a group, these students are often labeled as such, despite differences in their English skills. A new Iowa State University […]

Instructional Practices

Does your school district have a growing percentage of Dual Language Learners or English Language Learners? You’re not alone. According to an NEA Policy Brief, by 2025 nearly 25% of all students in public schools will be English Language Learners, the fastest-growing student population group. Even today, 32% of children under 8 years old are dual language learners. From 2000 to 2017, […]

Utah’s Languages of Opportunity

State stresses bilingualism as sure route to work and careers around the globe. When it comes to foreign language study, Utah is emerging as a national trendsetter. The state’s five-year-old dual-language immersion program will likely give Utah students a leg up in the future job market and foreign affairs, and could serve as a model for other states, […]

Little Sponges at the NAEYC Annual Conference

Thank you NAEYC! The Little Sponges® team had a fantastic time at the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia this past week. We would like to extend a big thank you to all of the teachers and administrators who stopped by our booth to learn more about […]