Technology in the classroom as a resource for working with ELLs.

       Working with primarily English Language Learners has challenged me to re-examine the way that I do things in my classroom. While I firmly believe that what is good for English language learners is good for all students, I also think that some extra pre-teaching of vocabulary, and access to resources like dictionaries and focus on grammar is more essential when kids are juggling a variety of languages with conflicting rules.

       This past year my school invested in smart boards and they are such a wonderful resource! One simple thing that I have found very helpful is that during read aloud time I use the kindle application on the SmartBoard. That way students can follow along with me when I am reading, write down words they don't know, touch the board for the definition of the word they don't know, and we stop and discuss what is happening and make predictions along the way. They can also take turns reading aloud, but we only need to purchase one copy of the book. While my students keep a reading journal and record their thoughts, predictions, fabulous sentences, and work on visualization etc. in their journals, we also record some of our questions, connections, and predictions using the notes feature of the app. Then when we finish a book we can look back through and see what sorts of predictions and questions helped us delve deeper into the book, and what connections might be something we thought of, but didn't really impact comprehension. A definite bonus is that for a few extra dollars many of these books will allow you to download the Audible recording of the book, a necessity when you catch those fall colds and extended periods of talking or reading lead to coughing fits!

         Another application that I find really helpful is the ReadWithMe application. You can use it on the computer or on an i-pad and it eliminates the paperwork of miscue analysis and stores it where you can access it at any time, from anywhere. It also allows you input comprehension questions, use their suggested short readings, and input your own. It also provides you with data on both the individual children in your class as well as a whole class overview.

       With younger kids Oxford Owl, and Reading Rainbow are great apps because children can choose to read, or be read to while following along. For schools with tight budgets WeGiveBooks.org is a great resource where you can sign up for free, read a variety of books and get books donated to schools in need.

What applications, programs, and technology do you find useful in the classroom? What applications and programs do you find particularly useful in working with the ELL population? I would love to here your thoughts!