o  Name of resource

o  Type of resource (low or high tech)

o  Brief description of the resource (i.e., what it is, how it works, ease of use, accessibility, etc.)

o  Instructional implementation

o  Why it is appropriate for ELLs

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            A Four Square Vocab Chart is a tool that can be implemented into developing an ELs vocabulary. It is mostly applied to Tier 2 and Tier 3 words. It is easy to use; students have a four square chart, in which each block they have to think about and use the vocabulary. One block requires the student to write definition, this can be both a dictionary definition and a student created definition for the word. In the next block students use the word in a sentence; here the student can better see how the word can be used. Next the students generate a synonym for the vocabulary word; this step further strengthens the new vocabulary to previously encountered words that they have either seen before or have a strong comprehension of. In the Final block students draw a picture of the vocabulary word. This step is important for students to create stronger associations with that vocabulary word, and improve their recall and comprehension of it. 

 

            Teachers can implement this tool at the beginning of a unit, or at the beginning of each lesson to establish the essential vocabulary they will encounter in class. This may be good as a homework assignment, or even better an in class activity, in which they can have instructor or peer assistance if they need it. Four Square vocab charts are also great for review purposes, in which students look back through the words they still do not feel strong with, and are able to work with or study from these charts to improve, or solidify their comprehension.

 

            This is appropriate for English language learners because as previously mentioned, ELs can develop vocabulary skills using this easy to use, but rich tool that can help them create strong connections with their previously learned English words and background knowledge. In addition to creating strong associations and improved memorization that will provide much better comprehension. 


High Tech-Resource: Google Translate

            This resource is free, easy to use, and anyone with an internet connected device can access it. Students and teacher can either download the free app, or go to the website https://translate.google.com. The students or teacher can simply set the input as the EL’s L,  and set the output for their L2 as English, or vice versa. Next type in or copy and pasta a sentence, phrase, or word and receive a translation. 

 

            This can be used during activities or lectures to aid instructors in helping their ELs better understand certain concepts and themes, when they are first being introduced, and could be difficult for ELs to understand in English. 

 

This tool is probably the most common language instructional resource, but as mentioned before it is accessible, simple, and it’s a great tool for ELs and teachers to use. ELs can benefit from this tool when they feel confused or they are in their initial language development stages and have a hard time understanding the content being taught in English. 

A beneficial low-tech resource for a classroom is a story map. Story maps are a type of graphic organizer that lays out the different pieces of a story, such as the characters, setting, plot, problems and solutions, and beginning, middle, and endings. There are different styles of story maps, ranging from simple to advanced. Map levels depend on the amount of detail asked for. These maps are useful for students to understand stories in greater detail. Story maps can be implemented in a classroom by having students fill them out to the best of their abilities after reading a story. They are useful for EL’s because the organizers break down stories that may have been complex to comprehend. EL’s are then able to understand the essential parts to a story in a simpler form.

 

 

High-tech:

ABCYA is a useful high-tech resource for students in grades K-5. This online resources uses visually appealing games and lessons to help students learn and practice mathematics, language arts, and even basic computer skills. This website can be utilized in or out of the classroom, offering tablet and smartphone support as well. This website can be implemented within the classroom by projecting the website on a SmartBoard and having students take turns with lessons and games. ABCYA is especially beneficial for EL’s because it offers additional practice of core concepts and computer skills that they may need extra help with. EL’s will also enjoy the visual aspect as well as games because they will have fun, rather than possibly getting frustrated with a difficult subject.

 

 

Esolhelp

www.esolhelp.com

 

Esolhelp is a free website for beginner or intermediate English language leaners. The websites has a small picture dictionary, interactive ESL games, vocabulary and grammar practice tests, ESL flash cards with pictures and sounds, and vocabulary and grammar worksheets. 

 

This is a great resource for ELLs because it gives them an interactive way to practice vocabulary, grammar, and spelling.  It also has practice test where ELLs can test to see what they need to work on. 

 

Low Tech Resource 

 

Vocabulary Journal

 

A vocabulary journal is an ongoing collection of vocabulary terms that are taught by the teacher. For each vocabulary term the student that it taught in class the students would have to write the term in the journal, write the definition, draw a picture of the term if possible, use it in a sentence, and write a synonym and antonym for the word if possible. 

 

Vocabulary journals are great resources for when the ELL is learning the new term, drawing the word, using it in a sentence, and writing a synonym and antonym for the word allows the ELL to get e a deeper understanding of the term. But, it can also be used if the student needs to go look up a meaning of a word. 

http://donjohnston.com/solo/

This is a high technology resource. The technology is called SOLO which helps students who need some extra help in writing. These technology product offers students help in different ways such as text reader, word prediction, talking word processor and graphic organizer. This technology works by students will be able to use this as a program on the computer. These program will help students when they are writing papers because this program allow students to have what they are writing read back to them and with spelling. The program would help students who are struggling and to see how the paper is flowing. The program also helps students through the different steps of writing a paper from the beginning to the end. I feel that this program is good for students who need some extra help on their paper writing skills. I feel that this program will allow students to be able to have extra especially when they are writing a paper. I will use this program during English class when students need to write a paper because this can be a tool to help students from the beginning to the end with the drafting of the paper. 

This is a good resource for EL’s because this will be able to have help with writing their paper. The program will also help the student from beginning to end. Students can have the paper that is they are writing read to them to make sure that they feel everything makes sense. 

http://esl-kids.com/flashcards/flashcards.html

A low technology resource is a using flashcards. We can have flashcards with pictures and have the students tell us what the picture is. This will allow students to be able to learn more words. Students will also be able to put the words with the pictures. This resource is good for students who is in kindergarten or first grade and will help with the learning process.  

This is a good resource for EL’s because this will help to build up vocabulary and also students will be able to put words with pictures. Slowly as students learn the words we are able to quiz them to see how much they have learn. The use of flashcards can help students who are visual learners be able to see and learn. The students can also repeat the words to the teacher several times and build up their knowledge. 

Khan Academy videos can be used as a supplement to a lesson, a reference point in class, or as a guide for further instruction or review at home. I find the site most useful as a reference point for understanding key concepts, particularly the more abstract ones, like the inner machinations of communism. 

The database is an excellent tool for ELs because many of the key videos are offered in a variety of languages. On top of that, as previously mentioned, the site is free and can be accessed easily by any device that can access the internet.

A good low technology resource is an ongoing vocabulary notebook. Students can write in new terms and their definitions/usage as they encounter them, allowing them to reference their own definitions later on when need be. 

The vocabulary notebook can be used as a tool to engage students mid-lesson. When new terms are introduced, students can enter them with context and definitions that work for them. Teachers can grade the notebooks and/or allow them to be used as guides for tests, homework assignments, etc. 

A running vocabulary notebook can be useful for EL students because having them record new, and often specific vocabulary, reinforces their learning and serves as a point of reference going forward. EL students also have the benefit of using their own words to define new terms. This is beneficial in that dictionary definitions can often be just as confusing, if not more so, than new vocabulary in itself.