Supporting Families with Children Who Are English Language Learners

Bridging Language Gaps with AWE Learning’s
Bilingual Spanish Early Literacy Station ®

Across the United States, more than 5 million children are classified as English Language Learners (ELLs), representing over 10% of K–12 students. These learners—and their families—are navigating both academic and cultural transitions that directly impact educational success. Parents may face barriers in supporting their child’s English development due to limited language proficiency, access to resources, or rooted challenges.

This resource highlights the experiences of families with children who are ELLs, the vital role of schools and libraries, and how AWE Learning’s Bilingual Spanish Early Literacy Station ® offers developmentally appropriate tools to support language growth and lifelong learning.

The ELL Landscape in America

• Growing Need: English Language Learners are one of the fastest-growing populations in U.S. schools.
• Diverse Backgrounds: Families speak more than 400 languages nationwide, with Spanish the most common.
• Educational Pressure: Students are expected to build English proficiency while keeping pace with grade-level benchmarks.
• Family Challenges: Parents may struggle to provide at-home support due to limited English skills.

Challenges Families Face

• Language Barriers: Parents may find it hard to help with schoolwork or communicate with teachers.
• Limited Access to Resources: Few bilingual books, digital tools, or programs are readily available.
• Learning Gaps: Students may need extra time and help to meet literacy milestones.
• Balancing Languages: Families want to maintain their family’s languages while learning English skills.
• Confidence & Participation: Children who are ELLs sometimes face stigma that impacts self-esteem, which affects learning.

How Schools and Libraries Help

• Schools provide instruction but may not have enough tools to support every young learner.
• Libraries are safe, welcoming spaces with bilingual programs, educational technology, and enrichment activities.
• Libraries open their doors to eager young learners, giving them a quiet space to explore knowledge and develop skills to set them up for a personal growth journey.
• Community Programs offer additional access to books, tools, and family learning opportunities.

The Bilingual Spanish Early Literacy Station® Advantage

The Bilingual Spanish Early Literacy Station ® from AWE Learning is a child-friendly workstation preloaded with educational software for children ages 2–12. For families with children who are English
Language Learners, it provides:

Multilingual Content

• Activities that help children learn English while supporting their family’s languages.
• Bilingual, picture-supported programs that improve comprehension.

Engaging and Developmentally Appropriate Tools

• Activities for visual, auditory, hands-on, logical, social, and independent learners.
• STREAM-focused content (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, Math).
• Simple navigation allows children to learn on their own time.

Safe, Guided Discovery

• No internet access is required to create a secure learning environment.
• Built-in time limits to encourage healthy educational screen habits.

Family-Friendly Features

• Activities that support parent–child learning, even when parents are still learning English.
• Games and programs that build confidence.
• Reporting tools for teachers and librarians to track progress.

Libraries as Launchpads for ELL Success

Libraries using the Bilingual Spanish Early Literacy Station ® report stronger engagement among families, higher participation in bilingual story times, and greater collaboration among staff, children, and caregivers, by offering ready-to-use resource. Libraries create welcoming spaces that help children build confidence and are able to grow academically.

Inspiring Discovery. Building Skills.

Families with children who are English Language Learners deserve accessible, engaging tools that support language learning and confidence. The Bilingual Spanish Early Literacy Station ® helps schools and libraries provide these opportunities— transforming challenges into moments of discovery and progress

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info@awelearning.com      (610) 833-6400 

How Early Learning Can Address the Third Grade Reading Crisis and How AWE Helps

In 2025, children’s librarians stand at a pivotal crossroads where literacy, technology, and community engagement converge. Their mission to inspire The 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results have sounded a nationwide alarm: over 65% of 4th graders are not proficient in reading or math. Despite historic federal investments in education recovery, the data shows a troubling decline in foundational literacy. This white paper explores how public libraries—and the professionals who power them—can lead the turnaround using scalable and developmentally appropriate tools like those offered by AWE Learning.

The Third-Grade Reading Crisis

• Why it matters: By third grade, children transition from learning how to read to using reading as the tool for all future learning. Falling behind at this stage makes catching up exponentially harder.
• The scope: Only about 31% of U.S. fourth graders are proficient readers. The rates are even lower for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• The risk: Students who are not proficient by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school.

Why Early Learning is the Solution

Research consistently shows that early literacy development is one of the strongest predictors of long-term academic achievement. Early learning matters because:

• Brain development peaks early: 90% of brain growth happens before age 5, making early exposure to language and literacy skills critical.
• Early intervention is more effective: Gaps in phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension widen with each grade level. The earlier the intervention, the easier it is to close them.
• Confidence builds early: Children who see themselves as “readers” in the early years approach school with confidence and curiosity.
• Family and community engagement starts at a young age: Early learning environments encourage parents and caregivers to be part of the process, reinforcing skills at home.

How AWE Learning Supports Early Learning

AWE Learning’s solutions are designed specifically to address early literacy during the most critical years (ages 2–8).

• Play-based literacy building: Games, activities, and stories that develop phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency.
• Safe, focused environment: Standalone workstations keep children engaged in learning without online distractions.
• Bilingual and accessible: Options in English, Spanish, and French support multilingual learners and expand equity of access.
• STREAM-aligned content: Reading is integrated with science, technology, arts, and math to show children how literacy connects to every subject.
• Engagement and motivation: Interactive, multimedia content sparks curiosity and joy motivating children to practice literacy skills consistently.

Early Learning in Action: AWE Implementation Models

Preschool & Kindergarten Classrooms: AWE stations provide literacy centers that introduce phonics and vocabulary in playful ways.

• Public Libraries: Community hubs where children can access early learning opportunities beyond the school day.
• Home & After-School Programs: AWE Learning helps families and caregivers reinforce literacy at home, bridging gaps in access.
• Summer Learning: Keeps children engaged during breaks, reducing the “summer slide” that often widens reading gaps.

Recommendations for Success

Start early: Implement AWE Learning programs in Pre-K through Grade 3 classrooms and community spaces.

• Pair with structured literacy: Use AWE to complement teacher-led phonics and evidence-based instruction.
• Engaged families: Provide guidance for parents on using AWE as a tool for early learning at home.
• Track outcomes: Use AWE’s reporting features alongside assessments to monitor growth in early literacy skills.

The third-grade reading crisis threatens the future of millions of children, but it doesn’t have to. Early learning is the answer. By investing in literacy before third grade, schools, libraries, and communities can change outcomes for students at risk of falling behind. AWE Learning is a proven partner in this mission. The Company’s Early Literacy Stations and digital resources give children the tools to build strong reading foundations early, setting them on a trajectory for lifelong learning and success.

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Learn more about AWE Learning with your local representative to explore your options. 
 
info@awelearning.com      (610) 833-6400