Yes, Audiobooks Are Real Reading. Here Are the Best Ones for Kids.

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I came across this article from the weekly news feed I receive from Decoda Literacy Solutions, a BC based literacy organization.

During the school closure and period of remote learning and working from home last Spring 2020, I read-aloud The Hobbit to my 3 elementary-aged children. It was an enjoyable and memorable literacy experience for us all as we embarked on the hobbit’s journey together. Take a look at this article from EdSurge to explore more reasons for listening to stories and some great recommendations.

Yes, Audiobooks Are Real Reading. Here Are the Best Ones for Kids.

Celebrating Culture with Picture Books

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The Henry Grube Education Centre Learning Commons has a diverse range of picture books celebrating many of the cultures within SD73. ELL students are generally eager to share their culture with their peers and bringing picture books into the classroom is a great way to do so. Here are some ideas on how to engage both your ELL student and their peers:

  1. Speak to your ELL student ahead of time and see what their comfort level is in regard to sharing out to the whole class. Maybe you could work with them in advance to prepare some ideas of what they could talk about.
  2. Read the story with the ELL student ahead of time (or send it home). The more familiar with the text and contents the student is, the more comforatable they will feel in potentially sharing with the class.
  3. Think of ways to engage all students in the text: Venn diagrams, classroom map of cultures, potluck (post-COVID), think/pair/share, etc…

Below is a list of children’s books that are available at the HGEC, their appropriate grade use, and notes on what they could be used for. If you would like additional information or ideas on how to use these books in your classroom, please connect with your ELL Resource Teacher.

Happy Reading!

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Diwali

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Tradition of Rangoli - Hindu Rangoli Art, Diwalifestival.org

Diwali (say “de-VAH-lee”) is a holiday celebrated around the world that got its start in India.It’s a harvest festival, but it’s also an important religious celebration for Hindus, Jains and Sikhs.

All About Diwali – CBC Kids

It is known as the festival of lights, and falls on November 14 this year (although the festivities are usually celebrated over 5 days).

What is Diwali? – Global News

From my experience, many students enjoy sharing their traditions for Diwali. Search for “Rangoli art” online that students can colour or create their own. Check for books in your school library, or access resources online. Celebrate cultural diversity in your classroom.

Look for books in your school library – Call #: 294.5

The Wonders of Wordless Picture Books

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Wordless Picture Books

Engaging all students in all grades at all levels of English language proficiency

         Wordless picture books are a great way to engage all ELL students in any grade and at any level. They provide a level playing field for all students, as the pictures can inspire vocabulary, emotions, and a deeper level of understanding.

Here are a few ways in which wordless picture books can be used with ELL students (or with any student in your class):

Beginners:

  • Look at the cover and back of the book. Generate vocabulary together
  • First Viewing- Look through each page together, generate vocabulary.
  • Second viewing- Extend the vocabulary into sentences together (*option to write the simple sentences out for students to repeat again).
  • Extend: Students could draw and label alternate endings

Intermediate:

  • Look at the cover and back of the book. Generate vocabulary and predictions for the story.
  • First viewing- go through each page and generate vocabulary and descriptions of what is happening on the page (*option to provide a time line graphic organizer for students to record information).
  • Second viewing- have students write their own sentences for each page to tell the story of what they see (*option to provide sentence stems to assist with writing)
  • Students share with each other their versions

Advanced:

  • Look at the cover and back of the book. Generate vocabulary and predictions for the story.
  • First viewing- go through each page and generate vocabulary and descriptions of what is happening on the page. Discuss details that focus on setting, characters, plot, etc…
  • Second viewing- have students write their own stories to go along with the pictures (*option to provide graphic organizer to assist with idea development).
  • Ask students to create an additional image to add to alter the ending.

The Henry Grube Learning Commons has a great selection of wordless picture books and I have created a document that describes vocabulary and topic focuses for each (as well as a recommended grade level). I would encourage you to check out your own school library to see what is available to you there. Please connect with your ELL Resource teacher if you need ideas and/or suggestions on how to use your books with your students.

HGEC Wordless Picture Books

BrainPOP ELL

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This was a site that became quite popular during our at home learning time in the Spring. To access the interactive, online lessons students and teachers must log in and have accounts. Below is a link that will allow you access to their printable activities, without having to log in. These activities could be used by LARTs as they are working with their ELL groups, or classroom teachers could use them to supplement what they are doing in class.

Take a minute to check it out, as it could save you time in your future planning!

 

BrainPOP ELL

A Walk in the Chalk

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This is a great site to check for ideas on how to develop reading, writing, and oral language skills. There is a store attached to it, however I found that just by browsing through the blog posts I was able to obtain quite a few ideas without feeling the need to purchase. It appears to speak mostly to elementary teachers, however I think you could take many of the strategies and adapt them into appropriate activities for older students.

Connect with your ELL Resource Teacher if you need help applying some of these strategies with your ELL students!

A Walk in the Chalk

Games to Learn English

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During this September, back-to-school busy start up, you may be looking for quick activities to engage your ELL students. This is one of my favourite sites for interactive online games with minimal ads or pop-up distractions. Scroll through the feature games on the homepage, or check out the different pages. Hangman is always a favourite with my students!

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Summer Activities

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Summer time is approaching and the majority of students are looking forward to a well-deserved break. Some families might express an interest in activities that will help their children maintain their English language over the summer. While families and students are encouraged to relax and enjoy their time together, here are a few ideas that they could try throughout the summer:

As always, contact your ELL Resource Teacher if you are looking for more ideas and activities.

NFB Education

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Check out the collection of acclaimed NFB films and learning resources selected and organized for K-12 learning at NFB Education. NFB is offering free online learning resources for parents and teachers, as well as a free CAMPUS subscription to all Canadian teachers. This online resource contains study guides, playlists, mini-lessons, and exclusive films.
And check out this link specific to ELL: