Using Experience Books to Foster the Narrative Skills of English Learners

The need to address the language and literacy development of children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) backgrounds continues to rise with the increasing number of English learners (ELs) in schools throughout the United States. One area of concern is the need for culturally sensitive methods of assessment and intervention for ELs with language disorders. Oral language skills are widely considered an essential component of later reading success. Although narratives are commonly used to foster children's oral language skills, narrative development in children from CLD backgrounds can be highly variable. Broader socialization and cultural practices can influence and shape the way children tell stories (Melzi, Schick, & Kennedy, 2011). One approach to facilitate the development of narrative skills in ELs with language disorders is the use of experience books, which are personalized stories that depict daily routines or meaningful events situated from the child's perspective. Experience books can provide a natural foundation of rich linguistic interactions between children and caregivers, increase children's exposure to print and enjoyment of books, and encourage family involvement. The following tutorial will guide speech-language pathologists on how to adapt experience books as culturally sensitive tools to help meet the needs and interests of CLD children and families.