Photo by Melinda Gimpel on Unsplash

English Language Learners (ELLs) often have unique needs when it comes to language acquisition, which can make home / school communication a challenge. It can be difficult for these students to participate in whole group activities, especially now when so much of what we are doing is online (through Zoom or Blue jeans for example). Whole group conversations can be challenging to navigate in person, and adding the layer of online learning only complicates things for students who are not yet English speakers.

While there were lots of great resources out there that I could find that support language in general or add in communication between students, teachers and parents, I was surprised that it was actually a little more challenging to find resources specifically for ELLs.

There are a few considerations to think about before selecting which tech you will choose to use in your classroom to support your ELLs.

  1. Consider whether the technology you want to use for your ELLs is something your already using.

Some examples of great examples which provide differentiated instruction for a variety of learners, and additionally support ELLs include:

These resources provide leveled texts, scaffolded tools and include audio versions of the texts provided.

  1. Consider building your technology use into your everyday teaching practice.

Both translation tools and note-taking tools with recording features will be helpful in adding with both online course work as well as home/ school communication between educators and parents. A translation tool might seem like an obvious choice, and there are a few to choose from, however it get proficient with many of these applications it is important that they become apart of your ELLs everyday practice.

Examples of these types of applications include:

  1. Consider how alternate modes to demonstrate learning can be creative tools to assist ELLs of all ages.

Storytelling for example is a great digital, interactive option to build on language development while supporting learners of all ages. Digital storytelling and social stories provide options for learners to express their understanding and build on their language knowledge. They provide options for creative projects and also offer opportunities for creativity when explaining difficult or abstract concepts to parents and students. I think the applications listed below provide lots of opportunities for parent and student learning together in a way that is fun and interactive.

“Explain Everything for iPad Screen” by Wesley Fryer is licensed under CC BY 2.0

  1. Consider finding tools that are specific to ELLs needs.

There are some tools that are specifically designed to support ELLs and offer a more comprehensive approach, which aim to improve language development (and focus on both receptive and expressive language) starting at beginner levels that build up to advance levels. The resources that I have selected I have previously used with ELLs and have found that they support students well using an in class instructional model as well as for independent practice.

“Screenshot: Home” by brainpop_uk is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

  1. Encourage students and their families to explore language- learning tools.

Again, this can be something that will aid in your communication between home and school. There are so many great language learning tools available, and many are as simple as downloading an app on your phone. These tools often are used to bridge gaps in communication for travellers, however can be very helpful with classroom instructions as well as home/ school communication. While you have to really spend some time finding language- learning tools that will appeal to your students (depending on the age), there are a few that you may find helpful to use when communicating with families who are not English speaking.

“Easy to learn Duolingo” by apkmart000 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Whichever online tools you choose, keep in mind that the technology should reflect student and parent communication needs, also taking into consideration accessibility, usability and cost (if there is one).