Embedded Files
Resources and Reviews from TeachersFirst
Resources and Reviews from TeachersFirst
Infusing Technology Blog (posts related to multilingual learners)
SchoolAI (Text Translator, Text Leveler, Quiz Creator, Newsletter Generator, and much more)
Magic School AI (YouTube Question Generator, Text Summarizer, Professional Email Maker, and more)
Other Resources
Other Resources
Strategies shared during the session:
Adapted Materials
When the text is too difficult or complete, adapt it to the MLL's first language, provide an audio version, or use a tool to simplify the text for them.
Collaboration
Group multilingual students with other classmates for an opportunity to practice communication skills and engage in language practice. Students can share ideas and generate questions together to strengthen the class community.
Welcoming Classroom Environment
Students learn best when they feel safe and welcome in the environment. A culturally responsive learning environment also helps MLLs feel that their background and culture are valued in your classroom.
Utilize Classroom Resources
Classroom resources could include word walls, anchor charts, translation dictionaries, or even tech tools that can enhance MLLs' understanding of the concepts being taught. Visual support often heightens the understanding for all students.
Background Knowledge
Before starting a lesson, activate the schema of all students and their experiences. Consider cultural references, new vocabulary words, or figurative language that may be confusing.
Family Engagement
Families offer a wealth of knowledge about their culture, language, home life, and child. Take advantage of this free resource! This goes two ways: parents can share information about their child, and teachers can also share information from the classroom.
Oral Language
Oral language development can be strengthened when you allow students to verbalize their thoughts in both English and the home language - this should be a central focus in teaching MLLs.
Vocabulary
Simple strategy - preview and teach academic vocabulary that may be unfamiliar. This is also true when using figurative language, which may be hard for some students to understand. Have all students practice using the new words in sentences.
Comprehension Checks
When all students are reading, be sure to ask questions to check comprehension. You can use many AI Tools to create questions for you (more on that later). The tools can even translate the questions into the desired language for your MLLs.
Connect to their Background
Learning is more meaningful when it is relevant to our students. Use your students’ cultural backgrounds and experiences to connect lessons and read stories that will resonate with your MLLs.
Make it FUN
Not only does it make the class more interesting, but it also fosters a positive attitude toward language learning.
Use Visuals
Many people (students and adults) benefit from visual representations. Use visuals with your MLLs, such as diagrams, video clips, pictures, and more.
Provide Clear Instruction
Provide clear and concise instructions to all of your students. Consider using a translation tool to share the instructions in your MLLs' native language, as they may be reluctant to ask for clarification in front of the class.
Preview Concepts in Home Language
When introducing a new topic, build knowledge about it in the home language before you present the information in English. Digital tools that can help you translate in less than a minute.
Use Hands-On Activities
Consider using hands-on activities when possible. The manipulatives and activities can help to solidify students’ understanding and forge connections between concrete and abstract concepts.
Peer-to-Peer Conversation
Infuse your instruction with this student-centered practice for multilingual learners to build both speaking and listening skills as they figure out the meaning of words. Peer-to-peer conversation can lessen the fear or anxiety that MLLs have about speaking in a new language.
Writing Practice
Provide daily opportunities for all students to practice written expression with the use of accommodations or scaffolds. Allow students to write less or, better yet, write in their native language.
Oral Speaking Skills
To foster better speaking skills, teachers can read text aloud, showing the appropriate speed and expression, along with oral fluency. Teach vocabulary words using the four domains, including writing the word, speaking the word, hearing the word, and reading the word.
Stations/Learning Centers
Create tech stations related to the four domains. Use an audiobook station for listening, a digital writing tool for writing, Flip for students to practice speaking while creating a short video, and a current event article online as a reading station, using a tool like Newsela.
Google Sites
Report abuse