Bridging Languages: Supporting Bilingual Students for Success in Reading and Beyond

More Than a Test

Today we have a very special guest joining us. Dr. Doris Baker, a renowned expert in bilingual education, is here to share her insights and experiences on supporting English learners, especially those from Latino backgrounds. From her experiences teaching Spanish at all levels to her groundbreaking research on the connections between Spanish and English language skills, Dr. Baker has dedicated her career to helping children develop bilingual and bi-literate abilities. In today's episode, we'll delve into the Science of Reading, the importance of culturally relevant books, and the challenges and successes of bilingual education models.

Get ready for an enlightening conversation as we explore the multilayered world of supporting English learners with Dr. Doris Baker on More Than a Test.

Timestamps

[00:00:03] Doctor Baker discusses the Science of Reading in Spanish, including phonemes, syllables, and picture books for children.

[00:03:26] Interactive reading benefits children's language development for preschool and kindergarten preparation. Choosing appropriate books with engaging pictures for conversation can be challenging, especially in Spanish. Translations or books with excessive wording can hinder shared book reading between parents and young children.

[00:08:10] Read-alouds help children develop background knowledge.

[00:10:55] Children learn through meaningful experiences and connections.

[00:15:46] Clear speech, syllables, and phonemes are crucial for reading.

[00:17:36] Bilingual brain activates different, stronger zones.

[00:21:28] Dual language model is popular for bilingual kids.

[00:25:07] Spanish-English bilingualism and its effects on language.

[00:26:49] Oral reading fluency is important for comprehension. Adding home language improves understanding.

[00:36:14] Teaching reading and bilingualism in schools.

[00:40:24] Supporting bilingual teachers and students, promoting cultural identity.

[00:44:24] Inspiring books about bilingualism, identity, and navigation.

[00:45:44] Speech recognition aids understanding; words have cultural influences.

Connect with Doris Baker

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/doris-luft-baker-6016b1161

Website: https://www.utexas.edu/

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

She thinks everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD