Empowering Multilingual Learners with Dr. Francesca Smith

Science of Reading Leadership

Join our conversation with Dr. Francesca Smith, a Bilingual Education Specialist and Early Literacy Consultant, as we explore the integration of the science of reading with bilingual education, explore strategies for enhancing foundational literacy skills in multilingual classrooms, and uncover effective ways to support and empower multilingual learners and their families.

We Discuss:

• Practical strategies for integrating the science of reading with bilingual education.
• How to leverage students’ native languages to enhance English literacy skills.
• The importance of explicit phonics instruction and its impact on language development.
• Techniques for enhancing parental involvement in multilingual education settings.
• Dr. Smith's recent research findings on the efficacy of explicit cross-linguistic comparisons in literacy instruction.

Important Timestamps:

• 00:59 - Introduction to Dr. Francesca Smith and her background
• 02:20 - Memories of back-to-school and initial teaching experiences
• 04:17 - Discussing the challenges and strategies of teaching in multilingual settings
• 10:27 - Key findings from Dr. Smith's recent research on bilingual education
• 19:17 - The role of parents in supporting multilingual literacy at home
• 28:26 - Long-term implications of bilingual education on teaching practices
• 34:05 - Additional advice for teachers working with multilingual students

Connect with Dr. Francesca Smith

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-smith-edd

Just Right Reader Science of Reading Instructional Materials and Resources: https://justrightreader.com/