Keep It R.E.A.L.‪!‬

This book introduces a set of pedagogical practices designed to assist adolescent English learners in developing their English skills in a way that honors and leverages their native languages and cultures.

Responding to the linguistic and educational diversity of adolescents, the R.E.A.L. (Relevant, Engaging, and Affirming Literacy) method offers teachers a range of scalable activities, reading lists, and other resources, along with numerous suggestions on how to adapt them for students’particular needs. By sharing experiences from actual secondary English classes, Stewart presents diverse learners making meaningful connections to texts and responding through writing, speaking, and other artistic means. These students are developing high levels of literacy, English language skills, and even biliteracy through R.E.A.L. instruction that all English teachers can use.

“Keep It R.E.A.L. is a must-read for secondary teachers and teacher educators who want their students to appreciate literacy as a critical resource for lifelong learning.  This is truly an invaluable resource for teachers of multilingual youth.”
—Christian Faltis, chair and professor, The Ohio State University

“A must-have resource! The powerful student-centered and teacher-friendly framework Mary Amanda Stewart offers in this book makes building literacy skills for adolescent English learners achievable and impactful.”
—Andrea Honigsfeld, associate dean and director, Molloy College, New York