10 MUST-Have Apps for Secondary Students

With so many students now having smart phones, schools should consider allowing their use in the classroom (with rules of course).   With the wealth of academic apps on the market, students could have at their fingertips support for most of the major non-elective courses required in high school.  Such ready access would be especially beneficial for students who need just a little more time to process demanding course lesson content.

Here is a list of the apps:

1.  Chemistry with wikipedia links for in-depth explanations of topics students may need more information on.
2.  Essentials by AccelaStudy -- study tool for learning foreign languages.
3.  Evernote Peek--create study flash cards for any subject area.
4.  Frog Dissection-vivid 3d virtual dissection of frogs for those who feel uncomfortable with working with living ones.
5.  Graphing Calculator-such calculators are very expensive, but not this APP:)
6.  Math Formulas-over 100 math formulas for all levels of high school math including statistics.
7.  Easel SAT Prep Lite-lower SAT anxiety with this one.
8.  Shakespeare-41 plays, 154 sonnets, 6 poems, and much more.
9.  Studious-a great digital organizer to keep track of due dates for assignments, exams, etc.
10.World Atlas-the app in this article is not available in the US, but National Geographic has two.  See photo below:

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS
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What Does It Mean To TEACH in the 21st Century?

With common core lessons now showing up in 45 states, teachers are facing more choices in teaching their disciplines than ever.  Such freedom should be welcomed if not embraced:) 

With so many possibilities, the use of technology becomes a must.  To prepare students for the world awaiting them after high school and beyond, schools will need to employ tech tools,  search engines, social media, smartphones, etc. within the classroom.  These items will not be used to entertain, but rather to engage.  Students will need to become problem solvers adept at using such items to solve problems.

This power point (PREZI) addresses the wide range of resources available at one's fingertips today and suggestions on how best to guide students in their use.  Incredibly well done!

ENGAGE NOT ENTERTAIN STUDENTS

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

Follow us on TWITTER @ell_teacherpros

Proven Successful Strategies to BUILD Academic Vocabulary Base for the Long-Term ELL

Long term ELLs (those students who are still identified as English language learners after more than 7 years in the country) are struggling at best in mainstream classes.  They come to class with conversational skills in place, but are 2-4 years behind in reading and writing skills.  Coming to school with such major gaps in academic language leads to failing grades.  Such low grades lead to high dropout rates from high school.  Dropping out of school drastically limits life choices.  No teacher wants a child to fail, but how can this special group not just survive in a mainstream class, but also thrive?  One approach is to start building their knowledge of more academic language so that they can not only recognize it when they see it, but also use it in their speech (class discussions) and their writing (making solid arguments on paper). 

So, how can the explicit teaching of vocabulary be addressed in class of 32? 

First, teachers need to preview readings to identify those academic vocabulary words that will surface in other content areas (ex.  compare, analyze, expect, decide, etc.).  Ideally, if teachers share the same students, they could select common academic words that surface in all of their classes and draw student attention to them whenever they present themselves in a lesson.  Also, such key academic vocabulary could be charted on butcher paper and placed in a very prominent place in class for ready reference.  Each word listed there would be accompanied by a visual, a sentence (specific to the individual teacher's content), and possibly word parts (affixes:  compare, comparatively, comparison---draw student attention to common word parts/affixes). Have students write those words, use them in academic discussions, understand them when used in lectures, etc. 

Second, with content classes, teachers must also identify key vocabulary specific to the course.  For example, if teaching biology, what are 10 key vocabulary words a student must know in a week long lesson?  Presenting that student with a list of 40+ words per week to master in order to pass the class (slight exaggeration here) is an overwhelming situation for the long-term ELL.  Teachers don't need to compromise on the concepts delivered in the lesson, but instead they must decide on what words are absolutes (i.e. "must be taught and memorized") vs. what words can just be explained quickly in the reading.  Concept maps on large sheets of butcher paper build mental links for ELLs.  Having students develop these maps (under teacher supervision to make sure that they are accurate) will stimulate academic conversation, involve the kinesthetic learner, the visual learner also artist, and the auditory learner as s/he listens and responds to the discussion on layout of the map.  Teachers can then draw student attention to the concept maps throughout the week to build academic key vocabulary background.  When the week is over, teachers should keep the sheets as a sort of "student-generated dictionary).

Third, teachers might wish to create tiered vocabulary lists.  Tier one are the common words that most ELLs bring to class.  It basically consists of the everyday language they use outside of school.  On the other hand, tier two words are those words that teachers need to weave into the class to move students away from tier one words.  Those are the words students need to use in academic settings.  The same words they will on college applications or in the business world.  If students don't learn these words in school, they will be at a distinct disadvantage in the real world.  As tier two words are addressed, teachers address key content vocabulary aka tier three words.  Tier three vocabulary consists of content specific vocabulary such as for biology:  mitosis, photosynthesis, DNA, rh factor, etc.

Below are two sites that address the teaching of academic vocabulary.  You may want to bookmark them for easy reference.

TEACHING VOCABULARY

ACADEMIC VOCABULARY

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

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WOULD YOU LIKE AN ONLINE FREE RESOURCE ON TEACHING ELLS? LOOK NO MORE:)

As the student population changes in the U.S., teachers see their classrooms becoming increasingly more diverse linguistically.  Mainstream classes will have a small percentage of ELLs at different English proficiency levels.  Those students will need more support than "sit with a partner" if they are to successfully meet the academic demands of the "national" common core standards in English, math, science, and social studies.

So what does a teacher here who has never really had much interaction with ELLs in her/his classes?  Well, teachers always rise to the challenge so they may ask for support from colleagues, attend professional development sessions, search the net, etc.  If they go to colleagues, they should try to talk to the ones that ALL the students like first.  There is probably a good chance that those teachers have some ELLs scattered in their classes throughout the day.  Another resource would be to ask new teachers for advice here.  Often times, they have just finished the required teacher credentialing program at the local college so they have at their fingertips some proven strategies to deliver instruction to all.  Still another resource might be the professional development classes that almost all districts deliver.  Because many school districts are on notice from the government to provide educational equity to ELLs and others strugglers, they tend to offer after school and weekend classes on ways to promote equal access to content to all students.  Classes are free and in some cases, if held after school, teachers are compensated for attending.  A last resource is the internet.  This takes some time though in trying to find a source that delivers material in ways that suit the teacher's teaching style. (CHECK OUT THIS BLOG FOR ADDITIONAL IDEAS, LESSONS, AND TEACHING STRATEGIES)

Here is one online resource that provides a quality crash course on meeting the unique needs of ELLs in K-12 in the classroom.

(taken directly from the site)

Best Practices for English Language Learners was developed by teachers and educational administrators as a resource for teachers, principals, and district leadership to:

• Provide a framework for sheltered instruction for all teachers. 
• Increase use and improve the quality application of research-based
  strategies in content and English Language Development (ELD) classrooms.
• Support districts in the implementation of proven research based
  practices to increase language proficiency and academic content
  knowledge for culturally and linguistically diverse students.
• Demystify terminology and initiative confusion in the field by using
  a framework for understanding school improvement

In this site, you will find teaching videos highlighting successful strategies with ELLs,  This material would offer teachers many opportunities to see real educators in their classrooms with ELLs.  The highly effective delivery of instruction is a result of teachers looking at all aspects of their classroom instruction and then reflecting on how to make sure that ALL students are benefiting from it.

Look through the site and decide on which areas most meet your needs or address your concerns.  If you know teachers who need help, pass the website along to them.  ELL RESOURCES

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

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Common Core Standards--English Language Arts and USE OF PRIMARY SOURCES

With the new common core standards being rolled out for English, teachers at the high school level will need to spend 70% of instructional time on informational text/non-fiction materials.  This is long overdue since universities have been urging schools to spend more time better preparing students for college.  In fact, most incoming freshmen must take remedial writing classes in their first year to prepare them for university work.

What will be quite different for students will be working with primary sources on a regular basis.  Many students are foggy on what they are, but this site explains what they are on a student level and then provides examples of primary sources throughout the site. To offer an overview of the key forms primary sources, go to OVERVIEW.  Each form is explained in detail and then students take on "detective" roles to search for evidence to use for solving "problems."  Isn't that what is asked of students in many universities--to THINK, ANALYZE, SYNTHESIZE, PERSUADE, etc.?  Notice that PERSONAL NARRATIVE is no where to be found and yet this writing style is still heavily used in all grades.

In the SPEED ROUND, students have to use their knowledge of all forms of primary sources addressed throughout the site to answer questions against a timer.  If you have struggling learners mixed in your mainstream classes, you could do a numbered heads together (cooperative learning in mixed ability groups) and then do a team competition.  It would be a WIN-WIN opportunity for all (and a bit of fun in the process).

PRIMARY SOURCES   ---  Here is the link to the entire site.  Bookmark it to hold for the unveiling of common core standards:)

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

PS  If you would like a detailed view of the common core ELA standards and how they will be implemented in school, you should subscribe to ELL TEACHER PROS to receive our monthly newsletter.  I will be providing both overall description of the process as well as providing videos and sample unit lessons in our JUNE NEWSLETTER to be released on May 31st.

PRIMARY SOURCES FROM AMERICAN POPULAR CULTURE

This site offers a quick walk through American history.  The reading passages are packed with solid content, but at a reading level that an intermediate ELL could read with some support.  Further, pictures are found in many of the articles so ELLs would have visuals to make the articles accessible.

What is covered?  The site opens up with 1600-1859.  Students will see sketchings and paintings of the time that depict life as early Americans saw themselves.  There is also a section on the different state currencies.  Every state had its own monetary system and photos of each of the state currencies are here. Images can be blown up to include in power points so that all students can clearly see the images with ease.  Care to study the DEPRESSION?  This site has powerful images that underscore how difficult that period was on the average American.  It can supplement any history textbook.  In fact, teachers could assign sections to students to study with partners and then share out to the class what they learned.

The active links end with POPULAR CULTURE, as you will not, there are more sites being worked on that will take you up to President Obama.


THE AUTHENTIC HISTORY CENTER-PRIMARY SOURCES FROM AMERICAN POPULAR CULTURE

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS




from 1600 to 2008

Explore the Arts Through the Kennedy Center for FREE!

Dance, media arts, music, literary arts, and theater are all covered here as vehicles through which to teach all subject areas and all grade levels.  Outstanding arts-based lesson plans and projects for classrooms and after school programs are available whether or not teachers register.  Why register?  With registration, you can create folders in which you can store your favorite lessons.  This way you will have everything at your fingertips.    KENNEDY CENTER

Here is one lesson aimed at high school students.  It deals with analyzing political cartoons so the subject areas covered are social studies and visual arts.  In studying the political cartoon, students are also using critical thinking (the WHY behind the cartoon) and problem solving (HOW was the issue solved/addressed that the cartoon depicted).  Upon completion of the lesson, students would select a political issue of the day, take an opinion, and then create their own political cartoon.  If a visual arts teacher could team up with the social studies teacher, it would be an even more exciting project for all:)
LESSON ON POLITICAL CARTOONS GRADES 9-12

Remember that you can find lessons for ALL GRADES.  I only chose high school since that is the level that I am most familiar with:)

Denise


ELL TEACHER PROS

INCREDIBLE FREE QUIZ GENERATOR!

As final exams approach, teachers often times try to furnish students with lots of practice quizzes to prep them for the upcoming major finals.   Frequently,  this can be a very time-consuming activity for the teacher though well worth it for the students.

How would you like to have a site that would not only help you design your exams, but also provide  you with a secure place to store every one in any order you desire?  Of course, the answer is yes.  What is even more unbelievable is that such a service is absolutely FREE (some special features will be added shortly for a fee, but the majority of the sites great features will continue to be free)!

Here are three reasons (click on link to left OR just read the content below) why teachers will love this site:

"1.  Teachers and Instructors often teach many different classes, at many different levels. Each class and level has its own set of worksheets and exams, usually spread across many traditional file based documents.

  Quizinator breaks all that information into a categorized library of questions and their answers. You can then quickly create and update your documents within Quizinator using the drag and drop question library. Any changes to the library instantly update all documents that contain them."

"2.  With all the documents they maintain, Teachers and Instructors often have trouble moving them around from computer to computer, synchronizing any changes they make, etc.

  Since Quizinator is a centralized, online repository for all documents and their resource components, you have everything in one place. Your browser is all you need. Any changes you make follow you where ever you go."

"3.  It's an unfortunate fact that some students cheat.

  It's easy to make different versions of an exam if you want. With Quizinator's drag and drop sorting capabilities, you can reorder questions and even their answers in two seconds flat." 

The Guide to the site is teacher friendly and will take you through all the rich features of the site.  For me, I tend to keep things simple until I feel confident enough to build in more features.  With this site, it didn't take too long before I could use most of its options with only a few hiccups:) 

QUIZINATOR  -- please share it with colleagues.

I will continue to look for more test prep tools for your students over this month.

Denise


ELL TEACHER PROS

The History of Maths! Absolutely Fascinating to Watch:)

Have your students ever wondered how math came into existence?  Of course those few who find the subject exciting need little encouragement here, but for those who do, these sites will provide incredible insight behind numbers and how they came into being:)  As a non-math person, I found this BBC series quite engaging in that its delivery is totally accessible to non-math individuals.  Further, in these videos, every segment of humanity is recognized from every continent.  If you have ELLs in your classes, you see some wide smiles when their culture is showcased.

HISTORY OF MATHS

In HISTORY OF MATHS, you will discover the many paths of discovery humans took along the way trying to find patterns and solve puzzles.  Egyptians were acknowledged at length in their handling of complex mathematics.  Land and taxes were the driving force:)


CONTINUTATION OF EGYPTIAN MATH
This section continues where the introduction left off.   The Babylonians are explored here along with their contributions to math.  Here the links to astronomy and math are a major focus in the clip.  Quadratic equations were also born in Babylonia.  Last, but not least, the concept of ZERO was touched on, but not fully addressed for 1000 years.


HISTORY OF MATH IN ASIA  The 13th century was the golden age of math in China.  Many of the formulas developed were linked also to astronomy.  India is also covered here and the fact that their number system laid the ground for our present day 9 number system.  They also created the number zero (now 0-9 was a reality). 


HISTORY OF MATH IN EUROPE You will travel through Italy and France.  The journey over the history of math in Europe then explores the major contributions of Newton and others to the field of mathematics.

I only wish that such a program as this BBC one had been available when I was in school many years ago.  For me, math class consisted of doing lots of exercises with no history or tie-in to the real world.  I loved this series. 

Denise


ELL TEACHER PROS

Retronaut--A Look at the Civilizations From Their Earliest Beginnings to Present Day

If you teach art, photography, history/social studies, or literature, you will want to bookmark this site.   For teachers to help ELLs (and others) make connections to upcoming lesson themes before the lesson actually starts, teachers need to employ a variety of quick "activating prior knowledge" OR "building background knowledge" activities.  Such activities should not be any longer that a 5-7 minutes in general.  Here visuals help immensely since no reading is required.  This makes instant access possible for ELLs because they are reacting to the visual only.

How could this site be used for literature?  Think about Grapes of Wrath (set in depression of 1930's).  Photographs of DUST BOWL victims would add vital context to reading the novel.  Imagine how they would react to seeing that all ethnic groups have had struggles in society.  In fact, in some cases, students may have experienced similar suffering (there would be no need to have them share with the class here obviously).  Other students may personally know of friends who have encountered hard times in this day and age.  This might assist them in making those vital connections to the novel's theme.

World history connections?  See World War 1 soldiers in their trenches looking out for enemy fire.  Watch them wearing their mustard gas masks.  Ask students how they feel the soldiers felt living under such horrific conditions.  Have ELLs and EOs reflect and share their reactions to the plight of these men in small groups with chart paper.  This type of activity motivates everyone to contribute since the writing is kept to a minimum, but the content is grade appropriate.

Contrast technology in the 1950's with now.  ELLs and EOs would have much to draw vivid contrasts with using this site.  Look at the telephone then and contrast it with what we have now.  Visions of space travel then as opposed to the reality of now.  With this background, classes would be ready to enter the arena of quality science fiction and enjoy every minute of it!


RETRONAUT

Try it out and see how your students react to it.  My guess is that they will truly be amazed at how the world has changed over time.

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

Instructional Resources to Support ELLs in Content Classes!

Everything you will see here is courtesy of Pearson Publishers. They have set up a free site to offer suggestions and support to teachers of ELLs. Though the options are there to buy textbooks from them, much of their material is free including video clips to offer details on instructional programs (SIOP), ELL Rights, approaches for teaching content, and much more.

ELL SUPPORT FROM PEARSON Here you will see the overview of everything on the site. The description is quite direct and therefore easy to follow. Again, it is a publisher and they hope you will buy books from them, but the free resources would be enough for most teachers who are accustomed to teaching ELLs. Dr. Cummins' work is evident in Pearson's products. His work on 2nd language acquisition (BICS--conversational language--and CALP--COGNITIVE ACADEMIC LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY) was a major contributor in the major shift from grammar only programs to academic success in mainstream classes.

ELL BILL OF RIGHTS There are millions of ELLs in US schools and teachers are searching for better programs and support to meet the diverse needs of this audience. This site is one source of support obviously, but there are many others. Schools offer onsite professional development workshops in this area. Many of those are well done. Where administration asks for input from teachers, they are even more successful. Look at the list and see if some (or all) of the ELL rights addressed are met in your school.

APPROACHES FOR TEACHING CONTENT TO ELLS Dr. Cummins and other leaders in teaching ELLs created this package for Pearson. Here is the overview of the next two pieces below.


FIVE BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR TEACHING CONTENT TO ELLS Five basic principles are outlined here on how ELLs can succeed in their classes. Many of you are probably already aware of many of them so feel free to share them with others.

1. Clear learning objectives.
2. Front load content/vocabulary.
3. Comprehensible Input.
4. Enable language production.
5. Assess for content and language understanding.

A good class has all 4 language skills going on all the time: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. A good class provides constant support and regular checks for understanding. A good class sets ELLs up to experience success with independent assignments/homework/projects. (Video clips elaborate on those 5 basic principles.)

SIOP (SHELTERED INSTRUCTION OBSERVATION PROTOCOL) One instructional approach that has experienced quite a bit of success is SIOP (video clips elaborate on this approach).

1. Lesson preparation.
2. Building background.
3. Comprehensible input.
4. Strategies.
5. Interaction.
6. Practice and application.
7. Lesson delivery.
8. Review and assessment.

I have been a teacher for years and this approach led me to re-evaluate the completeness of my lesson. Reflection on the effectiveness of our lessons is something each of us does in the hopes of identifying the weak areas so that they can be corrected for the next lesson:)

I hope you enjoy this post. I was impressed with Pearson's support of teachers.

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

PS If you haven't voted for this blog yet, please do. It is much appreciated:)

Free Movies/Classic Cartoons for Kids:)

As spring break fast approaches, why not make kids (and parents of younger kids) aware of classic cartoons (ex. Popeye, Bugs Bunny, etc.), films (ex. Oliver Twist, Gulliver's Travels -1938, The Wizard of Oz-1910, etc.) and TV shows from the 1940's through the 1960's? In fact, there is also a section on science fiction and one of the films was the inspiration for "I Am Legend" from 2007 with Will Smith. The name of that film was "The Last Man On Earth" with Vincent Price!

A breakdown of categories is as follows:

Comedy

Dramas

Mystery & Crime

Musicals

Romance Movies

Western Movies

If you have ELLs, why not try some of the cartoons. Some of them were created during WWII and therefore include commentary on the Allies winning WWII and the war effort at home in the US. Others address the period with customs, dress, slang, themes, political views, etc. Further, cartoons are short in length and with very visual antics. This leads to more accessible content and that carries over into more language!

FREE MOVIES FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES

Why not "assign" one of these many films for "homework" over the vacation:) Students could create a DVD cover for the film along with a brief write-up on it without giving away the ending. Students should write just enough to motivate one to watch the film and no more.

Hope you and your students enjoy the site!

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

Is Writing a Challenge for Your ELLs? If Yes, Try Paragraph/Essay Frames:)

If your ELLs or ESL students struggle with writing, this site might be helpful. It is a collection of 78 pages of every writing graphic organizer imaginable AND for all content areas. It can also be used at anywhere from elementary through high school (especially helpful for new arrivals).

Why are such supports needed for ELLs? Some students are totally new to the English linear writing style. They must go from the familiar to the new. Such changes can be difficult at best hence the need to make the change as painless as possible. Others have very limited literacy skills in their own language so there is nothing for a teacher to relate to in trying to teach writing. Writing frames provide a model which they can steadily rely on until they have enough language and are confident in their abilities to write on their own. These tools supplement instruction. They are those necessary scaffolds which allow students to survive in content classes.

PARAGRAPH/ESSAY FRAMES This document is 78 pages long. I would suggest that teachers print it out, hole punch it, and place it in a binder for easy reference. Share it with colleagues.

Denise:)

ELL TEACHER PROS

A Site That Will Solve Math Problems? Sounds Impossible, But It's True!

Math has a language of its own teachers correctly say. Like science, it is akin to learning to function in another language. This situation becomes a bit more complicated when you have ELLs trying to learn the language of math in a language that is not their own. Teachers are English speaking and often times are not able to fully explain complex topics in enough detail to make the content accessible to ELLs. Dictionaries come into play, but most kids (including many EOs) are not really familiar with how to use a dictionary effectively. A glossary might surface sometimes, but a glossary only works if the ELL is proficient in her/his home language. If the student is a limited bilingual (not proficient in either language), s/he will find the glossary difficult to navigate.

MATH PROBLEM SOLVER is a site that might be a good resource to support weaker students (ELLs especially) in math class (ANY math class--from basic arithmetic through calculus). Students find the area of math that the class is working on and then input a problem that they need help in solving. The program not only gives the answer, but also the steps followed to arrive at the correct answer. Though it is in English, it is not overly wordy so ELLs won't become lost in math language. That component will make more sense as the ELL feels more comfortable answering questions with minimal English. When the solving becomes clear, the language associated with it will make more sense.

I have some other sites to assist struggling students which I will bring in this month. Again, everything I share is FREE.

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

Math Presented in a Video Game Formats! A REAL Crowd Pleaser for Students:)

Sometimes kids need a refreshing approach to reinforce skills taught in class. Often times on the list of "favorite classes" among kids, mathematics holds a low position. That being said, every student has the potential to do well in math if teachers weave in some activities that students relate to and do well in. Arcade games that teach MATH fit the bill here with ease! Such approaches augment instruction and involve even the most reticent student (especially ELLs). The sites I will give you also allow the option for kids to compete against each other. If you are concerned that you might not know how to set up the screen for group competitions, have no fear---your students will have it figured out in less than minute. Remember that they play games on their phones, laptops, and xBox all the time so setups as easy as those on XPMATH and ARCADEMIC SKILL BUILDERS will be a breeze to say the least:) BOTH sites are free, but students must register if they wish to compete against each other.

An algebra teacher invited me to see her class try these sites. Everyone was on task and trying his/her best to win the various races in all the areas of math that they were told to review. The overall consensus was that they wanted to come back! The teacher may be doing this once a week to reinforce the concepts taught in class. She was quite pleased with the results! If you want to try it with your classes, invite a colleague to help monitor the class initially unless your students are accustomed to working on computers.

Enjoy!

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

PS Why not subscribe to this blog or become a follower:)

Bring World Myths and Legends In Art Into Your Classes:)

Validation of the many cultures that ELLs represent is a must in any classroom and especially mainstream ones. This can be done with ease through mythology and art and the Minneapolis Institute of Art's website does an incredible job of addressing both.

"Myths are stories that explain why the world is the way it is. All cultures have them. Throughout history, artists have been inspired by myths and legends and have given them visual form. Sometimes these works of art are the only surviving record of what particular cultures believed and valued. But even where written records or oral traditions exist, art adds to our understanding of myths and legends." (Minneapolis Institute of Arts).

In a mainstream class, students have the opportunity to learn about each other through myths and art. For ELLs, this is a moment to have the spotlight on them as their culture is explored as a part of the unit on myths. One feature of the site is that the myths are recorded so the entire class can listen if the teacher uses speakers or they can listen at their individual computers with ear buds.

To build writing skills, teachers could have students contrast/compare myths after listening to them. ELLs would most benefit from this activity if it is done with a partner. Working with others and using a note-taking graphic organizer would provide the necessary support for the ELL to do well. ELLs then could retell the story with a partner and then do a short recap of their favorite part or their favorite character in it.

Another fun activity is having students, in cooperative groups, creating their own original myths. Students could act them out, create cartoon strips, or write the story (differentiation of instruction).

Teachers could also weave in some short videos on popular myths if there is time. It might be considered a reward for a job well done:)


WORLD MYTHS AND LEGENDS IN ART

Hope you like the site!

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

Great Resource for Teaching Personal Finance in Grades K-12!

This site deals with economics. Here teachers will find an extensive collection of lessons on economics, personal finance, and resources for teachers, students of all ages, and after school providers.

Some of the featured lessons covered currently are loan amortization, and calculating simple interest. You will also find interactive tools covering everything imaginable related to economics. I tried the SAVING and INVESTING BLITZ and didn't do as poorly as I had expected:) Of course, in a real class setting, the teacher would also have access to the teaching tools (and state standards) to address this topic (and MANY more) before students attempted the game.

Parents are not left out here either. The resources provided lay out strategies for parents to support their children in learning such things as planning for college, careful spending, developing a savings plan, and more.

PERSONAL FINANCE is wonderful resource that parents, teachers, and some students will definitely want to bookmark to refer to on a regular basis.

Hope you enjoy the site!

Denise
ELL TEACHER PROS

Moving Away from Ambiguous Word Choices:)

ELLs generally struggle with vocabulary choices when trying complete academic assignments. Overuse of common words with multiple meanings is the frequent choice. You will see a word like BREAK in every other sentence because ELLs don't have an extensive enough language background to supply suitable synonyms for the word. When in doubt, the same word is used repeatedly. On this site, a student clicks on the word he/she is using to see what other choices exist. Each choice selected is equipped with its definition and part of speech to help the student pick the correct form of the word substitution.

A teacher's guidance is a must-have though since finding just the right word will take some practice. To help students remember great word selections, a word wall could be created with possibly 3 columns: column 1 (weak words), column 2 (strong words), column 3 (AWESOME WORDS). Words could be added throughout the week as needed. The list would be kept up all year. If teachers hold on to student writing samples, journals, logs, etc., they will see major growth in student word choice. Students will be amazed at their greatly expanded vocabulary base by the end of the year---guaranteed! :)

AMBIGUOUS WORDS

Enjoy!

Denise
ELL TEACHER PROS

1938 Radio Broadcast of WAR OF THE WORLDS!

Do you and your students enjoy the works of H.G. Wells? If so, you will appreciate the radio broadcast of this work of art. Orson Welles and his Mercury Theatre turned the story into a radio play with repeated interruptions of reports of extraterrestrial invasions landing in New Jersey scattered throughout the show. To add to the drama was the absence of commercials which in turn raised the fright level of the listeners.

Of course, to avoid any hysteria in a day where radio as opposed to TV was the norm, Welles and company made it a point to intersperse announcements that this was just a Halloween prank. Though some newspapers painted a picture of widespread panic, most people knew it was not real.

So how might a teacher use this site with ELLs?

If you have a mixed ability class, you can find an adapted novel for the ELLs so that they may fully participate in class activities, projects, discussions, and projects. The shortened version relays most of the key information in a format that an ELL can follow.

Once the groundwork has been laid in the theme, a teacher could bring in clips of the radio show. Since it is 57 minutes long, a teacher needs to play it in segments of 10-15 minutes with note-taking sheets. Students could do a double-bubble comparing/contrasting the book with the radio show. This could be done in small cooperative learning groups so that the ELL has time to process his/her understanding of the assignment.

Here is the link to WAR OF THE WORLDS. Teachers could also assign a mini-research project on how people of the time reacted to the broadcast, what happened to Orson Welles and his theatrical group, or what might happen if an alien invasion ever happened to earth.

Hope you and your students enjoy the link:)

Denise
ELL TEACHER PROS

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Amazing Historical Photographs!

If you teach history, you will want to bookmark this site. The photographs here capture famous historical figures and events through time. In fact, the first photograph ever taken (1826) is here!

Some of the major items captured here are the Titanic before and after the disaster, Hitler as a baby (the only time he was innocent), Che and Fidel in their youth, the destruction of the Berlin Wall, and black surgeons saving a white KKK member in the south before the Civil Rights Bill was passed. There are so many incredible photos in this collection. Teachers can use the to add to almost any lesson.

If you teach ELLs, these photos could build content background knowledge as you go through a unit on the Wright brothers (Aviation history) and how their invention still affects their lives today for example.

31 GREAT ICONIC PHOTOS

Hope you enjoy the site and don't forget to see me at C.A.B.E. (California Association of Bilingual Educators) on 3/8/11 for a half day workshop on creating virtual dioramas!

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS