Word Nerds Recommend...

Written By Jesse Streb

Literacy Foundations for English Learners
A Comprehensive Guide to Evidence-Based Instruction
by Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan

Hey Word Nerds! 📚 If you're passionate about helping English learners unlock the power of words, this book is your new best friend. Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan blends the science of reading with the art of language teaching, giving you a toolbox packed with evidence-based strategies that work—especially for multilingual learners.

Inside you'll find:

  • Clear, step-by-step guidance for teaching phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency—all through a language-rich lens.

  • Smart ways to use student data to guide instruction and accelerate learning.

  • Culturally responsive tips to honor students’ backgrounds while building strong readers and writers.

  • Practical routines and activities that are teacher-tested and learner-approved.

Why We Love It

At ESL Word Nerds, we’re all about equipping teachers and elevating learners—one word at a time. This book gives you the research, the roadmap, and the confidence to do just that.

Ready to level up your literacy instruction? This is Word Nerd–certified gold.

 
Jesse Streb