Connecting first language literacy to English literacy through PENPal

This proposal includes three groups of materials. Mantra Lingua translated books, PENpal Phonics, and recordable pen pal stickers. This program would enable teachers to increase the literacy of the English as a new language students in their classrooms. Teachers would be trained on these translated literacy tools and would then be able to sign out materials to enhance their curriculum. Currently at LeMoyne we have 165 ENL students, which means our school is 37% ENL. These students come to our district with a wide range of literacy skills in their first language. Making the connection between home language literacy and English literacy is vital to their success. If a bridge is made between knowledge of first language literacy and English literacy, students will have an opportunity to increase their reading levels which will in turn increase their success in all content areas.