Closing Gaps with High-Quality Early Childhood Education and Family Engagement
Jodie Shell • September 29, 2020

All of the talk about the importance of early childhood education and family engagement for young learners may be paying off. Two recently published studies from the American Educational Research Association show that the school readiness and early childhood parental investment gaps are narrowing between economically-disadvantaged and affluent students.

In the first study, researchers looked at school readiness for high- and low-income students entering kindergarten. Academic achievement in Math and Reading were two of the areas measured. They found that the gap between the two groups students declined by 9.8% in Math and 16.3% in Reading from 1998 to 2010.

In the second study, researchers compared the early childhood experiences of high- and low-income kindergarten students in 1998 and 2010. What they found was that the high-, middle-, and low-income students in 2010 all showed an increase in home computer usage, an increase in the number of books at home and the likelihood of reading with their parents, and an increase in participation in enriching activities like singing, crafts, library visits, dance and sports; however, the increase was biggest for the low-income students.

One researcher believes there may be two reasons for the narrowing gaps:


  1. There is better access to high-quality preschool programs for low-income families. Thanks to increasing support from politicians, education leaders and communities, the word has been spreading about the importance of high-quality early childhood education and preschool programs. Head Start and other programs helping low-income students receive quality early education have seen a boost in government funding. Commitment from the US President with the Every Student Succeeds Act and Preschool for All Initiative has helped build awareness, focus priorities on early education, and expand access to the young learners who need it most.
  2. More families are becoming involved in the learning of their young students. Education and early literacy advocates have been working hard to reach parents and caregivers to explain the critical role they play in their child’s educational success. By investing more in enriching activities with their children and with increased beliefs about the skills needed to prepare their young learners for school, more parents and families are getting involved.

School districts and early childhood programs all over the country are using supplemental programs like GrapeSEED to enhance the quality of the education they are providing and to get families involved. GrapeSEED is being used in preschool, Head Start, Great Start Readiness Program classrooms and in other early childhood education classrooms to give students a solid foundation in oral language and critical listening as they prepare for kindergarten and learning to read. The Shared Reading Big Books, Poems, Chants, Songs, and Action Activities, along with student take-home materials, provide many opportunities for dancing and movement, oral language and reading practice, teacher-student interactions and parent involvement.

Much more needs to be done to shrink and eliminate these gaps in school readiness and family involvement. Additional funding is needed to improve the quality of early childhood education programs and preschools and to make these programs accessible to all students. Schools, educators and communities must continue to find ways to get parents and families involved,  including the families of English Language Learners. Parents should be encouraged to promote literacy development in their children through shared reading, singing, positive feedback, and modeling, for example. Trips to the library, zoo and museum can also provide language-rich experiences as well as much-needed family time.

Celebrating Teachers: Why Teacher Appreciation is Special and Unique in 2025

April 28, 2025
In 2025, teacher appreciation has taken on an exciting new dimension. As we navigate through a rapidly evolving digital age, the role of teachers has become more crucial and multifaceted than ever before. Here’s why celebrating our educators this year is both special and unique: Digital Pioneers : Teachers today are not just educators but also pioneers of digital learning. They've seamlessly integrated technology into their classrooms, using tools like virtual reality and AI to create immersive learning experiences that captivate and engage students. Adaptability at its Best : The past few years have shown us the incredible adaptability of teachers. Whether transitioning from in-person to online classes or adopting hybrid teaching models, teachers have proven their ability to pivot and innovate, ensuring that learning continues uninterrupted. Champions of Personalized Learning : With the help of data-driven insights and educational technology, teachers are crafting personalized learning experiences. This approach caters to the unique needs of each student, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive at their own pace. Emotional Intelligence Leaders : Teachers today understand the importance of emotional intelligence in education. They are equipped to support the emotional and mental well-being of their students, creating a safe and nurturing space for learning. Creative Engagement : From gamified learning to interactive projects, teachers are continuously inventing new ways to make education fun and engaging. Their creativity inspires students to be curious and passionate about their subjects. As we look to the future, the role of teachers will continue to evolve, but one thing remains constant: their unwavering dedication to shaping young minds. In 2025, we celebrate not just their adaptability but also their commitment to fostering a brighter future for all. Teacher appreciation today is a testament to their invaluable contributions to society and the endless possibilities they unlock for future generations. At GrapeSEED, we are inspired by and appreciative of teachers who inspire, innovate, and ignite a love for learning! Are YOU ready to become a GrapeSEED teacher? Click here!

Navigating the Multi-Language-Learner Landscape: The Nuances of Being an Instructional Coach

By Jodie Shell • April 11, 2025
The role of an instructional coach in the multilingual language learner world is challenging and rewarding, requiring a unique set of skills and a deep commitment to fostering language acquisition among diverse learners. Often serving as the bridge between teachers and students, instructional coaches in this realm play a pivotal role in shaping how language education is delivered and experienced. Here's a closer look at the nuances of this impactful role: Supporting Diverse Learners One of the most rewarding aspects of being an ESL instructional coach is the opportunity to support a wide range of learners from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. This diversity enriches the learning environment but also presents unique challenges. Coaches must be adept at understanding the specific needs and strengths of each student, tailoring strategies to enhance engagement and comprehension. Adapting Teaching Strategies Cultural context plays a critical role in how language is taught and learned. ESL instructional coaches must continuously adapt teaching strategies to align with the cultural nuances of their students. This involves integrating culturally relevant materials, respecting different learning styles, and being sensitive to the cultural references that may affect language comprehension and usage. Fostering Collaboration Collaboration is at the heart of an ESL instructional coach's work. Coaches collaborate with teachers to develop effective lesson plans, provide feedback on teaching practices, and introduce innovative instructional methods. By fostering a collaborative environment, coaches help create a supportive network that enhances professional growth and improves student outcomes. Continuous Professional Development  To stay effective, ESL instructional coaches must engage in continuous professional development. This includes attending workshops, participating in webinars, and staying abreast of the latest research in language acquisition and teaching methodologies. Professional development is crucial for coaches to refine their skills and introduce new teaching techniques that can benefit both teachers and students. Leveraging Technology The integration of technology in ESL instruction is a game-changer, and instructional coaches are at the forefront of this transformation. By leveraging tools such as language learning apps, virtual classrooms, and digital assessments, coaches can enhance the learning experience and provide more personalized support. Technology also allows for greater accessibility, enabling students to practice language skills outside the traditional classroom setting. Making a Lasting Impact Ultimately, the role of an ESL instructional coach is about making a lasting impact on the lives of students and educators. Coaches help unlock the potential of students by equipping them with the language skills needed to succeed in a globalized world. They also empower teachers with the tools and confidence to deliver effective ESL instruction. In conclusion, being an instructional coach in the ESL world is a dynamic and fulfilling career that requires a blend of empathy, adaptability, and expertise. By embracing these nuances, instructional coaches can contribute significantly to the field of language education, paving the way for a more inclusive and effective learning environment. Are you an instructional coach who is interested in learning about the impact that GrapeSEED could make on your teachers and students? Come partner with us! Just click here to get started.

What Is Language Acquisition? Stages and Theories

By Jodie Shell • April 7, 2025
Doing more research on Language Acquisition? The stages of Language Acquisition and theories / best practices? GrapeSEED provides insights and tips on the topic.

Unlock Potential with Data Driven Instruction

March 27, 2025
In the dynamic environment of multilingual learner classrooms, data-driven instruction paired with formative assessments plays a pivotal role in creating effective and engaging learning experiences. Let's explore how these strategies can benefit both teachers and students. The Power of Formative Assessments Formative assessments are essential tools that offer real-time insights into student progress, enabling educators to refine their teaching methods. Here's why they're indispensable: Immediate Feedback : By providing instant insights, formative assessments help teachers adjust their instructional strategies to better meet student needs. Customized Learning : These assessments allow lessons to be tailored to individual student needs, moving away from generic approaches to more personalized instruction. Increased Engagement : When lessons are precisely aligned with a student's current understanding, engagement and participation naturally increase. Effective Formative Assessment Techniques Incorporating a variety of assessment techniques keeps the classroom lively and informative: Quizzes : These quick assessments help identify which language concepts students have mastered and which need more attention. Peer Reviews : Students work together to provide feedback, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment. Self-Assessments : Encouraging students to evaluate their own progress promotes self-awareness and active participation in their learning journey. Benefits of Data-Driven Instruction Utilizing data from formative assessments allows for a more strategic approach to teaching: Targeted Instruction : Teachers can develop activities that address specific areas of difficulty, such as pronunciation exercises or vocabulary games. Supportive Learning Environment : Continuous feedback nurtures a growth mindset, encouraging students to view learning as an ongoing process. Enhanced Language Acquisition : Focusing on individual language skills helps students build a robust foundation for more rapid and confident language learning. In summary, integrating data-driven instruction with formative assessments transforms the ESL classroom into an engaging and effective learning space. By using these strategies, educators can better support student growth and development, ultimately leading to more successful language acquisition. If you would love to learn about the GrapeSEED Curriculum and our formative assessments, known as ‘Quick Checks’, just head to our website by clicking here .
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