The Big Book of Tasks for English Language Development, Grades K-8

Introduction Section 1: Everyday Tasks for Students at the Entering Level of English Language Proficiency (New to English) Section 2: Everyday Tasks for Students at the Emerging Level of English Language Proficiency Section 3: Everyday and Sometimes Tasks for Students at the Developing Level of English Language Proficiency Section 4: Everyday and Sometimes Tasks for Students at the Expanding Level of English Language Proficiency Section 5: Everyday and Sometimes Tasks for Students at the Bridging Level of English Language Proficiency References

The Big Book of Tasks for English Language Development, Grades K-8 by Nancy Akhavan is a clear and useful text for teachers new to instructing English learners. Pre-service and early career teachers who are learning about how to structure lessons will find solid advice and guidance. The book is organized into sections that align with the WIDA proficiency levels: entering, emerging, developing, and bridging. In each section, Akhavan explains multiple strategies that are appropriate for each proficiency level. She also includes "Watch fors and work arounds" so teachers can anticipate how students might react or engage in the lesson. I have taught many pre-service teachers about these activities; this text would be a valuable addition to a syllabus on teaching primary and intermediate literacy. In a classroom setting, this text will provide research-based, effective strategies that can be implemented during intervention blocks or during embedded tier 1 ESL. -- Sara Hamerla Teachers understand the "why" behind the importance of designated English language development but often struggle with "how" and "what" to do. This book identifies how to effectively utilize designated ELD time, create a safe learning environment, and build confidence in a new language. Teachers get the "what" in a bank of lessons designed with rigor and appropriate scaffolds they can count on to meet the needs of English language learners. -- Amy Williams The Big Book of Task for English Language Development is an amazing resource for educators. It brings a wide range of research on language development together in a user-friendly practical guide. Aligning effective practices and strategies with language performance levels will give educators a clear direction and pathway to support all language learners at an appropriate level. -- Cari Carlson This book is an amazing resource for any teacher who supports English Learners! It is a teacher-friendly guide full of practical tips and strategies that reinforce great pedagogy and solid teaching practices. I highly recommend principals to provide this great tool for their teachers as a planning support and a great professional reference! As an EL myself and bilingual teacher of several years, I wish I would have had this reference to guide my lesson planning---it would have saved me time and made my job so much easier. Thank you, Nancy for providing teachers with such a great resource! -- Janie Sifuentes-De La Cerda