ELLs and Study Skills

QUIZLET: online flashcard generator

ELL students often lack knowledge of study skills.  QUIZLET is a website that allows you to create a FREE account and make flash cards for any topic or subject.  Though it can be time consuming to create them, they stay on the website to be used again.  The student DOES NOT need to create a login to access the flash cards that the teacher has made.


As a bonus--there a pre-made flash cards for other languages! (for those that always say..."I wish I could learn __(insert language of choice here )___.)  **A new feature that quizlet offers is that images can be uploaded to the flashcards that are saved to your computer.  This is a fantastic way to help ELLs learn vocabulary words in context**

 In addition, on the website there are options to learn the words/definitions or play games with them.  This way, the students can do some independent learning of the material OR review for a test.  Although I believe that interaction promotes learning, individual teacher attention is not always possible, especially in the content areas.  Also, QUIZLET can be used to preview vocabulary with ELLs. 


I've found that after students see how their grade improves after studying, they are more likely to do it more often.


Miss L

Content Teachers: adapting and modifying

Adapting and Modifying Content and Assessments for ELL Students

It can be difficult to know where to begin with adapting and modifying both content and assessments.

Bethlehem Central School District has many great tips and tools for beginning to modify assignments and instruction for ELL students at different proficiency levels. Tips for Modifying Assignments for ELL Students There will be more posts on this topic in the future----this is just a starting point.

If you have more ways that you have found to be effective to make content comprehensible for ELL students in mainstream classes, please comment.


Miss L

ESL Classroms: make a book online

STORYBIRD

http://storybird.com/

This website can be used to create books online.  It is free, although you need to create an account. You can even create class accounts so the books can be shared without email. This website could be used to create stories as groups of individuals.  


One use I thought this would be appropriate for would be to practice verb tenses that go with the pictures.  The students could read their created stories in small groups.  This way, through this activity they are practicing reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In addition, they are practicing correct form in context.  


This suggestion is just one way this website can be used---feel free to share others! This activity is adaptable for different levels of language proficiency and grade levels.


Miss L