Learning Resources
Dictionaries and Glossaries
Cambridge Dictionary Translator
Use this for translations and get links to dictionary entries for the words in the text.
An idiom is a natural manner of speaking to a native speaker of a language.
These glossaries are approved for use on Ohio State Tests and free to print.
Learning Platforms
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS features educational games, videos, and other activities, centered mostly on animals and the natural world. Kids also can get a virtual tour of different countries, featuring fun facts and other information. They can contribute to the site by posting comments (which are moderated), answering quizzes, and submitting photos.
PBS KIDS is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children through curriculum-based entertainment. With a 360-degree approach towards learning and reaching children, PBS KIDS leverages the full spectrum of media and technology to build knowledge, critical thinking, imagination and curiosity. By involving parents, teachers, caregivers and communities as learning partners, PBS KIDS helps to empower children for success in school and in life.
STARFALL was developed in the classroom by teachers and opened in August 2002 as a free public service to teach children to read. Since then it has expanded to include standards in language arts and mathematics for preschool through fifth grade and above. The program emphasizes exploration, play, and positive reinforcement—encouraging children to become confident and intrinsically motivated. Due to the engaging content that “feels like play,” STARFALL serves as an educational alternative to other entertainment choices for children.
STARFALL activities are research-based and align with state learning objectives for English language arts and mathematics. Its emphasis on phonemic awareness, systematic sequential phonics, and common sight words in conjunction with audiovisual interactivity is especially effective for teaching emergent readers, children of all ages with special needs or learning difficulties, as well as ELL (ESL) students. It is widely used in schools and homeschools.
ZEARN MATH is a learning platform gives students, including multilingual learners, the opportunity to learn grade-level math with differentiated support and standards-based math practice. As part of Future Forward Ohio, the state has partnered with ZEARN MATH so all schools serving grades 6-8 can access ZEARN without cost. The ZEARN website has resources in English and Spanish for families and caregivers.
Lists of Resources
Colorín Colorado - For Families
As a parent, there are many ways that you can help your child succeed every single day! These bilingual parent resources offer tips on helping your child learn to read, succeed in school, and learn a new language. They also provide information about the U.S. school system and share ideas on how to build a relationship with your child’s teacher and school.
In addition, you can find fun reading tips and games, bilingual booklists, ideas for using the public library, and videos of children’s authors, illustrators, and musicians. Resources are organized by topic.
New America Blog: Digital Resources for EL Students
List of digital resources to help families supplement learning at home.
University of Wisconsin-Madison ESL/ELL Interactive Websites for Learning
List of several instructional videos and digital resources.
