Unite for Literacy offers young ELLs online access to a free global library of picture books that can be read in English and listened to an ever growing number of languages.  Excellent resource for use at home by K-2 ELLs.
	Check out SCRIBJAB! ScribJab is a web site and iPad application for language learners to read and create digital stories (text, illustrations and audio recordings) in multiple languages (English, French and other non-official languages). ScribJab creates a space for children to communicate about their stories, and come to an enhanced appreciation of their own multilingual resources.

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Dual Language Books in Local Libraries

The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board partnered with the Bradford-West Gwillimbury Public Library (2012-2013) and the Barrie Public Library (2013-2014) through a Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grant to create dual language picture book collections for young children. All books are written in English and a second language, so all children in the community can enjoy these translated and culturally relevant books. 




The Bradford West-Gwillimbury Public Library offers dual language books in: Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Punjabi, Vietnamese, Tamil, and Urdu.




The Barrie Public Library offers dual language picture books in:Arabic, Simplified Chinese, French, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian,Spanish, and Urdu.



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The Importance of  Developing First Languages
                                                                                             

All students are encouraged to continue to use and develop their first language whenever possible.

Effective oral, reading and writing skills in one language will influence
 the ability of a student to develop effective oral, reading and writing skills in another language.


 The Importance of Developing First Languages Fact Sheet  - For Parents and Staff

French -    PDF	English -   PDF	Italian -     PDF	Korean -      PDF	Spanish -   PDF
Polish -     PDF	Russian -   PDF	Tagalog -   PDF	Portuguese - PDF

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Check out additional translated fact sheets for parents and staff:



Immigrant Children With Speech Or Language Impairment - Article

An Important Message About Home Language (available in 7 languages) - for parents of primary age students

Hold Onto Your Home Language - Brochure for parents of primary age students (available in 5 languages)

Talk Your Baby In Your Own Language - Tipsheet for parents with pre-school age children (available in 12 languages)