DKG Educators Book Award Winner

Voices of Newcomers:  Experiences of Multilingual Learners

By Denise Ammeraal Furlong, Ed.D.

The DKG Educators Book Award Committee is pleased to announce this years winning book: Voices of Newcomers: Experiences of Multilingual Learners. This is an easy-to-read, practical guide for the early career educator, the season educator and the administrator looking to meet the needs of Multilingual/English Learners, in particular Newcomers and SLIFE (Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education).

This author hopes to spark conversation and inspire creativity in working with Multilingual Learners as she shares valuable experiences on:

*   How to manage the first days and weeks to assist the Newcomer in adjusting (academically, emotionally and socially) to their new school and class

*   Asset-based perspectives on the progress of Multilingual Learners (MLs)

*    Information that will help teachers academically engage these students, in addition to ways to assess and motivate them

*   Reflection questions and discussions for each chapter to guide book clubs or conversations in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)

*   Ready-to-use resources to support educators as they meet the needs of MLs

This book gives the educational community time to pause and reflect on classroom activities, teaching styles, approaches to student feelings, attitude toward the Multilingual Learner, and insight into possible family situations or trauma that they have experienced.  By amplifying the voices of these students, their families, and their teachers, this handbook includes real-life stories to help educators understand these diverse perspectives.