post
BLOG AND NEWS

Literacy Solutions for English Learners

Jan 9, 2017
 
 

literacy-solutions-for-english-learners-blog-cover

Teachers of English Learners face a unique challenge—to quickly develop language and literacy skills in a differentiated manner. To address the needs of English Learners, teachers can add instruction that develops the imagery-language connection. English Learners can acquire the skills and knowledge they need, more quickly.

 

By addressing the skills that underlie reading and comprehension, teachers can boost language learning for all students, while providing specific instruction to address the needs of those students who have learning challenges—even in their first language.

 

Our programs support best practices in English Language development and have been shown to accelerate skill acquisition:

 

COMPREHENSION & VOCABULARY

Visualizing and Verbalizing and Talkies develop the underlying skills necessary for:

  • Oral Language Development
  • Acquiring Academic Vocabulary
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking

READING & SPELLING

Seeing Stars and Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing(LiPS) develop foundational decoding skills:

  • Phonological Awareness
  • Phonics and Word Recognition
  • Reading Fluency
  • Spelling

[CASE STUDY] Colorado School Implementing Lindamood-Bell Instruction Closes the Achievement Gap in Reading for English Learners

 

Background

Haskin Elementary School in Center, Colorado, serves a large percentage of English Learners who are at-risk of reading failure. From 2010-14, Haskin implemented Lindamood-Bell instruction to address the specific needs of this student population. The first three years of this project, 2010-11 through 2012-13, were funded through a federal School Improvement Grant (SIG). Haskin students received Seeing Stars and Visualizing and Verbalizing instruction to develop symbol imagery and concept imagery for reading and comprehension. Instruction was delivered by Haskin teachers who were trained in the Lindamood-Bell programs. Gains for English Learners were measured with the reading portion of the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program and the results were compared to gains made by non-English Learners.

 

haskin-elementary-el

 

Results

English Learners at Haskin achieved a 50-point increase in reading proficiency from 2010 to 2014. This was the largest change of all elementary schools in the state. Additionally, the achievement gap between non-English Learners and English Learners was closed by 20 points. Statewide, the gap was closed by 4 points over this same period of time. The results of this study illustrate that providing Lindamood-Bell instruction in the Seeing Stars and Visualizing and Verbalizing programs leads to improved reading and comprehension in English Learners, which is essential to achieving success with school curricula.

 

Profile

School Years: 2010–14

Number of Schools: 1

Grade Levels: 3rd–5th

 

Lindamood-Bell Programs Implemented:

Focus of Lindamood-Bell Services:

 

Lindamood-Bell instruction integrates and strengthens  RtI and EL services. Explore our professional development workshops and contact us with any questions or to discuss how your school can get started: 800-233-1819.

 

For information on how to address core standards learning for all students, watch our recent webinar,  Beyond Expectations: Language Comprehension and Thinking for State Standards Curriculum.

Connect with us
Start 2026 Strong with Workshop Savings ✨

Kick off the year with special pricing on Lindamood-Bell for Schools professional development, aligned with the Science of Reading.
✔ Save 25% when you bring a colleague or bundle workshops
✔ Group inservice training discounts up to 25% available

Use code HELLO26BOGO

⏰ Offers end January 31, 2026.
👉 View the workshop schedule and reserve your spot.
🔗 Link in bio @lindamoodbellofficial
✨ Experience the Lindamood-Bell Academy Difference!
 
📅 Jan 12–16 | Academy Week
See firsthand how we help students build their learning ability while thriving in a full academic curriculum.

🎓 Special Enrollment Offer available!
 Tap the link in our bio @lindamoodbellofficial to learn more.
📚 Teaching students to connect language with imagery strengthens reading skills and comprehension.

At Lindamood-Bell, our approach is grounded in Dual Coding Theory (DCT), a cognitive framework explaining how the brain processes information. Our founders’ programs, including Seeing Stars for reading and spelling and Visualizing and Verbalizing for comprehension and critical thinking, apply these principles through sensory-cognitive instruction.

✨ See how our approach translates into classroom practice and the real results it produces for students.
Read the full article - tap the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
📖 Want to help your child build strong reading skills from the very start?
Our latest blog, Developing Early Literacy Skills: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Young Readers, shares practical tips for nurturing language, decoding, and comprehension at home. Discover how everyday reading and playful activities can spark curiosity and confidence.
✨ Learn how personalized support at Lindamood-Bell can strengthen the foundational skills your child needs to succeed in school and beyond.
Tap the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
As we close out the year, we’re grateful for the trust you place in Lindamood-Bell and for our shared commitment to helping individuals learn to their full potential. 
Wishing you a holiday season filled with rest, joy, and connection, and a 2026 full of inspiration and possibility.
See the difference the right instruction can make. 💙
Miss Georgia’s Teen, Carrington Manous, shares how dyslexia once left her feeling discouraged about school and learning, and how Lindamood-Bell helped her build the skills and confidence to succeed. Today, she uses her voice to advocate for students with learning differences and to expand access to effective instruction.
🎥 Watch Carrington’s full, inspiring story. Link in bio at @lindamoodbellofficial.
Parents, ❄️ Winter Break ❄️ is a great time to give your child a boost. For a limited time, enjoy 10% off instruction. Contact your Learning Center to get started!
❄️ Don’t miss our Winter Wonderland Learning Savings!❄️
📚 10% OFF instruction during Winter Break!
Help your child catch up, conquer learning loss, or get ahead. Our individualized instruction will set them up for success and confidence in the New Year.
👉 Visit our website for details and to get started today! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
See the impact our Lindamood-Bell instruction can have! This family shares how our evidence-based approach helped their child thrive. 🎥 Watch their full story and get inspired. Follow the link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.

❄️ Parents, winter break is the perfect time to give your child a boost! For a limited time, enjoy 10% off instruction. Contact your Learning Center to get started!
Our free webinar featuring Paul Worthington, Director of Research and Development, is now available to watch.
Learn how evidence-based instruction, the Cognitive Science of Learning, and effective leadership strategies can help drive meaningful, sustainable improvements in student learning.
▶️ Watch now at the link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Reading fluency isn’t about extra drills or repetition.

It grows when students strengthen the sensory-cognitive foundation behind accurate, automatic reading. 

Symbol imagery is key. Visualizing sounds and letters in words helps students:
 • Decode accurately
 • Recognize words automatically
 • Enjoy reading

Discover why symbol imagery matters and how educators can build fluency. Read the full article at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
📣 Attending the SENIA International 2025 Virtual Conference?

🎓 Don’t miss our session:
Join Melissa Garner, Director of Lindamood-Bell for Schools, for “Closing the Comprehension Gaps in the Science of Reading” on November 21, 1:30–2:45 PM. Melissa will explore how developing concept imagery builds comprehension, vocabulary, critical thinking, and writing. 

💻 Visit Our Virtual Booth:
Stop by the Lindamood-Bell booth to learn more about our sensory-cognitive approach and how it supports educators in helping all students reach their learning potential.

Get more info at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Educators, join us for a free Lindamood-Bell webinar with Paul Worthington, Director of Research and Development.
Discover how evidence-based instruction, the Cognitive Science of Learning, and effective leadership strategies can drive meaningful, sustainable improvements in student learning.

🗓 Wednesday, December 3rd | 11 am PST | 2 pm EST | 7 pm GMT

Can’t join live? Register anyway, and we’ll send you the recording!
Link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
At Lindamood-Bell, we align with the principles of the Science of Reading and expand upon them, offering programs rooted in the Cognitive Science of Learning.
Our goal is to unlock every student’s potential with targeted instruction that strengthens the sensory-cognitive foundations of reading and comprehension.
Visit our blog to see how our Science of Reading-aligned curriculum is transforming learning in schools every day! 🌟
🔗 Link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
📚 Every Student Can Thrive with the Right Support
At Lindamood-Bell Academy, students with dyslexia receive personalized, one-to-one instruction that builds reading skills, confidence, and a love of learning. Our evidence-based approach helps students overcome challenges and succeed in school and life.
Discover how our school can transform your child’s learning journey. Tap the link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Request Information

Request Information

When you complete our form, we'll send you to our digital information packet and reach out to you shortly.
You may also call us at


* required

Schedule a Learning
Ability Evaluation

Please fill out the form and we will be in touch to schedule an evaluation.

* required