English Language Learners (ELLs) are students who do not have English as their first or native language. In a classroom setting, they can often pose a unique set of challenges to teachers. One of the reasons behind this is that they do not belong to a single proficiency level; they have a diverse range of very unique language acquisition and educational needs. There are, however, several apps and tools available today, including a talking pen, that are designed to make it easier for them to get a better grasp of the English language and thus improve their confidence in the process. As a teacher, here are some ways in which you can use these resources for the ELLs in your classroom:
1. Introduce them to Mantra Lingua’s PENpal
Mantra Lingua’s PENpal is a device that is designed to play back audio when it touches audio-enabled bilingual books, charts, and other learning resources. This portable, durable, and easy-to-use device allows for a multisensory experience that can be helpful for ELLs aged 3 and up. It can also be used to record the user’s voice, which then gets saved inside its expandable 8 GB memory.
2. Use ELL-friendly features in existing learning tools
Instructional content platforms like Newsela have built-in features that are designed to support instructions for different learners, including ELLs. Some, like Khan Academy, offer translated versions of their curriculum. You can easily find more such ed-tech apps that offer support for English learning as well as other subject areas to ELLs.
3. Introduce them to basic online resources
There are several online resources like Wikipedia and Microsoft OneNote that come with their ELL-friendly features and versions. For instance, Wikipedia has an adapted version for ELLs and younger students who might not be as proficient in English. It is called Simple English Wikipedia. You can also encourage your students to use translation tools like Google Translate which act as an effective learning medium for bilingual students.
Using meaningful technologies and digital tools can help you meet your classroom’s ELL’s individual learning proficiencies, while also allowing you to enhance their language development and learning.
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