As a mother dresses her baby, they both enjoy finding a missing sock.

Teaching reading to children in a language that is not their own is a daunting task. Balancing Reading and Language Learning: A Resource for Teaching English Language Learners, K-5 provides the strategies proven to be effective in a balanced reading program, while at the same time valuing the native culture and first-language skills of the English language learner. Combining the best classroom practices and research on teaching reading and language acquisition, author Mary Cappellini integrates effective reading instruction with effective language instruction. Through the framework of a balanced reading program, she emphasizes the importance of constantly listening for and assessing children's language and reading strategies during read aloud, shared reading, guided reading, and independent reading, including literature circles. Included in this text are: How to set up an environment that will allow all English language learners to succeed Stages of English language proficiency and stages of reading development—how they compare and how to use them to assess and plan for individual children A focus on tapping into children's prior knowledge in their primary language while teaching reading in English and using Spanish/English cognates to help develop academic language A collection of in-depth lessons and mini-lessons based on children's language proficiency and reading strategy needs with ongoing assessment, teacher reflection, and with an emphasis on choosing the right books to match their reading and language level How to manage numerous guided reading groups with children of all stages of reading and language proficiency Thematic planning, with sample units for primary and upper grades, to support academic language and meet content standards Ideas for literacy evenings, school tours, and other events to involve parents with the learning community Extensive resources: numerous forms and checklists—observation sheets, planning sheets, literature response sheets, focus sheets for shared and guided reading, and more. Regardless of how many or how few ELL students a teacher has, this invaluable resource helps them meet the challenges and reap the rewards of teaching children to read as they learn the language.

1996 Notable Book for Children, Smithsonian Magazine Pick of the Lists, American Bookseller In the segregated south, a young girl thinks that she can drink from a fountain marked "Whites Only" because she is wearing her white socks. When Grandma was a little girl in Mississippi, she sneaked into town one day. It was a hot day—the kind of hot where a firecracker might light up by itself. But when this little girl saw the "Whites Only" sign on the water fountain, she had no idea what she would spark when she took off her shoes and—wearing her clean white socks—stepped up to drink. Bravery, defiance, and a touch of magic win out over hatred in this acclaimed story by Elevelyn Coleman. Tyrone Geter's paintings richly evoke its heat, mood, and legendary spirit.

A little purple hippo faces a dilemma. While getting dressed one day, she realizes that she is missing a red sock. But as she searches throughout her sock drawer, she cannot find a suitable replacement. From blue to green and gray to white, nothing she finds will match. But does that really matter? This new picture-book offering from Jennifer Sattler (Bully) reminds readers of all ages of the enjoyment that may occur when one lets go and embraces imperfection.

Kids will love learning how wacky words can be with this classic picture book of tongue twisters from Dr. Seuss! “This is a book you READ ALOUD to find out just how smart your tongue is. The first time you read it, don’t go fast! This Fox is a tricky fox. He’ll try to get your tongue in trouble.” When a fox in socks meets Knox in a box, you know that hilarity will ensue! Add chicks with bricks (and blocks and clocks) and you’re sure to get your words twisted and lips locked. With his unmistakable gift for rhyme, Dr. Seuss creates a fun way for beginning readers to dive into the joy of reading. Beginner Books are fun, funny, and easy to read! Launched by Dr. Seuss in 1957 with the publication of The Cat in the Hat, this beloved early reader series motivates children to read on their own by using simple words with illustrations that give clues to their meaning. Featuring a combination of kid appeal, supportive vocabulary, and bright, cheerful art, Beginner Books will encourage a love of reading in children ages 3–7.

Does a polka-dotted sock match a striped sock? Young children will learn about matching, an important early math skill, as a lonely striped sock searches the house for its mate. They will may even be inspired to practice this skill in their own sock drawers! Best Children's Science Books 1997 (Science Books and Films)