Classroom resources for Teaching English Language Learners by Seethalakshmi Sreekumar https://padlet.com/ssreekum/klcvekxpzs9taemr How can teachers involve parents/community in order to benefit the ELL students' learning in the classroom? en-us 2020-10-20 18:14:38 UTC 2020-10-20 23:17:22 UTC hello@padlet.com Classroom Newsletter ssreekum https://padlet.com/ssreekum/klcvekxpzs9taemr/wish/846138826 Classroom newsletters are a great way to inform parents/guardians of what is going on in the classroom on a monthly/yearly basis. It keeps the parents in the loop and can be translated into different languages (if necessary).
Things you can include in the newsletter: 
  • Breakdown of what each month is (roughly) going to look like in terms of units 
  • Reading list of books that will be read during the year
  • Apps that can help with translations and other resources for ELL students (and other students)
The newsletter can have any information that needs to be conveyed to the parents. This helps with decreasing any surprises for the parents and the students. In addition, parents can explore the resources themselves as well. 

]]> 2020-10-20 18:16:09 UTC https://padlet.com/ssreekum/klcvekxpzs9taemr/wish/846138826 Using Google Classroom ssreekum https://padlet.com/ssreekum/klcvekxpzs9taemr/wish/846669365 Clear communication with parents/guardians is vital for ELL students learning to be consistent at school and at home. By using tools such as Google Classroom, parents/guardians can be involved in the students' learning and seek out the appropriate resources that are necessary to help with what being taught in class. As a teacher, you can adjust the due dates and post clear instructions for assignments. In addition, teachers can post helpful resources for students. Furthermore, parents can have direct access by getting notifications sent to them on their devices to keep up with what is happening in the classroom. ]]> 2020-10-20 20:55:25 UTC https://padlet.com/ssreekum/klcvekxpzs9taemr/wish/846669365 Creating Community Resource Map ssreekum https://padlet.com/ssreekum/klcvekxpzs9taemr/wish/846701621 This step requires research of the particular community your school is based. Many communities have websites that outline many events and workshops going on in the area. On the websites for the area, find some events/workshops that are relevant to things that are being taught in the classroom. If students are interested, they can attend with their families as a way to incorporate their families into their learning. One thing to understand is that these events and workshops take up time. Therefore, getting to know the family dynamic of the students is very important as some might not have parents who have time to take the students to these events/workshops. In that case, maps can be created solely for resources such as libraries, city initiatives that coordinate with community partners to help parents of ELL students.

URL: https://www.gettingsmart.com/2018/04/promoting-family-engagement-5-ways-to-foster-a-more-meaningful-connection/]]> 2020-10-20 21:09:58 UTC https://padlet.com/ssreekum/klcvekxpzs9taemr/wish/846701621 Bringing in Community Speakers ssreekum https://padlet.com/ssreekum/klcvekxpzs9taemr/wish/846722771 There are many expert speakers within communities who can help teachers in the classroom discuss topics that the teacher themselves may not be familiar with. Specifically in terms of the Indigenous community, there are many resources provided by the school boards in the GTA to help get resources and speakers for the classroom. For example, TDSB there are many resources available from the TDSB Urban Indigenous Education Centre to help teach topics related to the Indigenous identities in the classroom. Furthermore, through the board websites, you can find board approved speakers who can bring in various ways of teaching the curriculum. Students are able to engage in a different way which helps ELL students be part of the community they live in which helps with their social development. 

]]> 2020-10-20 21:20:25 UTC https://padlet.com/ssreekum/klcvekxpzs9taemr/wish/846722771 Translators ssreekum https://padlet.com/ssreekum/klcvekxpzs9taemr/wish/846756332 Many schools provide translators who work with parents and teachers in order to make sure that they can communicate. It is important to be in touch with the translator to ensure that when communicating with parents that the information about their child is being relayed clearly. The communication is important to make sure that parents are aware of the needs of the student, so that the necessary resources can be put in place. It is important to not assume that a translator is necessary when speaking to the parents of an ELL student. Getting to know the parents and students in your classroom is most important because that allows you as a teacher to figure out what resources each individual student needs. ]]> 2020-10-20 21:37:45 UTC https://padlet.com/ssreekum/klcvekxpzs9taemr/wish/846756332 Community and Curriculum ssreekum https://padlet.com/ssreekum/klcvekxpzs9taemr/wish/846777735 In order to engage the ELL students with the community, teachers can bring together curriculum and community. One way to bring these aspects together is by organizing field trips within the community that relate to the units being taught. Students are able to get hands-on experiences which can help with creating meaning behind what they are learning. This correlates with the hypothesis put forth by Stephen Krashen. In addition, field trips can be a fun and engaging way for all students to learn in a different environment. 

URL: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/school-community-collaboration-brendan-okeefe]]> 2020-10-20 21:49:55 UTC https://padlet.com/ssreekum/klcvekxpzs9taemr/wish/846777735 Board Websites for Community Partners ssreekum https://padlet.com/ssreekum/klcvekxpzs9taemr/wish/846863529 The school board websites are very useful tools in figuring out what community services are available in your region. Getting to know these websites will help teachers find important resources that can be given to parents and/or used in the classroom. ]]> 2020-10-20 22:43:55 UTC https://padlet.com/ssreekum/klcvekxpzs9taemr/wish/846863529