Category Archives: Grades K-12

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.

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

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:

World’s Largest Lesson

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World’s Largest Lesson, in partnership with Unicef, offers resources for teachers and students that are free, open source and translated into over 10 languages. Themes include inequality and injustice, poverty and climate change.

SIOP Lesson Samples

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The Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) model is a research-based method of instruction that addresses the academic needs of English language learners (ELLs).  The SIOP model combines multiple instructional components with teaching strategies to ensure the content and language needs of ELL students are met as they learn alongside their native English-speaking peers.

Here is a  link to a page that provides examples of lesson plans and activities for all grade levels that reflect the SIOP model. Although, many of these lessons reflect American curriculum, many of them can be used as is, or adapted for your own classroom content. If you need further ideas on how to implement these strategies, please contact your ELL Resource Teacher.

SIOP Lesson Plan Examples

Resources for Newcomer ELL students

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We have referenced and recommended Larry Ferlazzo quite a few times already on this blog, but there is a reason for that. Larry has worked with ELL Newcomer students for years, and in particular, with teenagers. His entire website is full of information, advice, and recommendations on working with ELL students.

Larry Ferlazzo Home Page

Larry has spent time creating a section on his blog titled “Best Thematic Lists for Newcomer ELLs”. I like this site because when we work with ELL students, we spend time building their vocabulary thematically. His page is organized into themes, so that you can select which one you are currently working on with your students (i.e. jobs, feelings, animals, health, school, etc) and it will take you to several links to games, activities, and ideas on how to build that vocabulary with your students. Some of these activities can be used by  students independently or can be incorporated into the  classroom.

“Best Thematic Lists for Newcomer ELLs”