2/16/2023

Quiz Yourself: Can you create a classroom that supports Emergent Bilingual students and Emergent Bilinguals with dyslexia?

Schools are diverse places where many languages are spoken and many cultures are represented. Schools are also places where it is pressing for educators to identify students who need additional support, including students with dyslexia. This population of students has been both overrepresented and, more recently, underrepresented in special education programs.

Research shows that a systematic and intentional approach to literacy learning can benefit students who are Emergent Bilinguals.Thoughtful, science-based approaches to second language instruction can support Emergent Bilingual students who display characteristics of dyslexia. What characteristics, including strengths, are you seeing in your classroom?

Quiz yourself to see how much you know about Emergent Bilingual students who might have dyslexia

1. An Emergent Bilingual will be strong in

A. Both their heritage language and second language
B. Their heritage language, but are growing in a second language
C. Reading but not writing in a second language
D. Speaking but not reading in a second language

2. Students who are Emergent Bilinguals and who have dyslexia will

A. Demonstrate strong literacy skills in one language only
B. Demonstrate no need for additional, intensive instruction
C. Demonstrate literacy needs in both heritage and second language
D. All of the above

3. Emergent Bilinguals might be progressing toward

A. Bilingualism
B. Multilingualism
C. A greater knowledge of English phonemes
D. All of the above

4. Emergent Bilinguals with dyslexia would not benefit from which of the following approaches?

A. Linking heritage language with a second language
B. Attention to phonemes and written language patterns
C. An English-only approach
D. Systematic language instruction

5. Brain research indicates Emergent Bilinguals have

A. Stronger focus
B. Improved executive function
C. Increased attention spans
D. All of the above

6. To support Emergent Bilinguals with dyslexia, teachers need

A. A one-size-fits-all approach to examining data
B. Instructional strategies rooted in assets-based approaches
C. A monolingual curriculum or program
D. The same approach taken with Emergent Bilinguals who do no have dyslexia

We know Emergent Bilinguals need literacy instruction designed with their unique learning paths in mind. Programs such as Lexia® English Language Development™ offer personalized academic speaking practice while keeping teachers updated about student progress. Join Lexia® as we lead the way toward evidence-based literacy solutions that support both Emergent Bilingual students and the educators serving them.

Answer Key: 1.B 2.C 3.D 4.C 5.D 6.B