Website #1: Learn out Loud
How would this website be beneficial to ELL learners?
As we discussed in class, simply reading a language in print does not necessarily translate to being able to use that language. Being able to hear what is written is a valuable tool that is hard to replace. This website has archived audio recordings of any story written within copyright laws. That basically means that all literature classics are available on this website. Of course, many teachers material and resources automatically come with recorded cds, but that doesn't help an ELL learner who would like to review the story outside of classtime. I can provide students with a link to this website that they could use while reading (or rereading) the novel.
How would I use this website in my classroom?
I would particularly utilize this website if I were to design my classroom in the "flipped" format. A flipped classroom is basically a classroom that has students listen to lectures, direct instruction, or complete readings at home. Then, classtime is spent on project based learning where the teacher functions more as a resource. Flipped classrooms are suggested because watching a lecture is something any student could do at home (or reading a chapter), but actual writing or project work is generally something that requires guidance. This format works perfectly and would allow me to actually work one-on-one with students in class. For my higher functioning ELL students, having them read the chapter while listening to the words being spoken through podcasts would be helpful.
As we discussed in class, simply reading a language in print does not necessarily translate to being able to use that language. Being able to hear what is written is a valuable tool that is hard to replace. This website has archived audio recordings of any story written within copyright laws. That basically means that all literature classics are available on this website. Of course, many teachers material and resources automatically come with recorded cds, but that doesn't help an ELL learner who would like to review the story outside of classtime. I can provide students with a link to this website that they could use while reading (or rereading) the novel.
How would I use this website in my classroom?
I would particularly utilize this website if I were to design my classroom in the "flipped" format. A flipped classroom is basically a classroom that has students listen to lectures, direct instruction, or complete readings at home. Then, classtime is spent on project based learning where the teacher functions more as a resource. Flipped classrooms are suggested because watching a lecture is something any student could do at home (or reading a chapter), but actual writing or project work is generally something that requires guidance. This format works perfectly and would allow me to actually work one-on-one with students in class. For my higher functioning ELL students, having them read the chapter while listening to the words being spoken through podcasts would be helpful.
Website #2: ESL Cyber Listening Lab
How would this website be beneficial to ELL learners?
If you haven't already figured this out, the websites the above websites is for students who beginning to function within CALP, and the bottom website is for those students who have not moved past BICS. I like this website because it gives specific listening practice to students who are still learning to interact socially with the language. I wish I could have found one that included story based listening quizzes, but sadly I could not. I do, however, like the amount and variety of listening quizzes available to students.
How would I use this website in my classroom?
This website would be a little difficult to use in my classroom. Honestly, as stated above, what I really wanted to find was short listening stories that students could answer comprehension questions about. What I found is essentially that, but more focused on getting ELL students to understand everyday conversation instead of focusing on stories. I do not foresee that I would necessarily use this site unless I got someone who was very low in their BICS skills. As we talked about in class, that isn't likely to happen. However, it did happen to me. I got a student my first year teaching who was still in the "silent" stage. That made doing almost anything with him pretty difficult. These would have been great listening comprehension exercises to catch him up a little bit.
If you haven't already figured this out, the websites the above websites is for students who beginning to function within CALP, and the bottom website is for those students who have not moved past BICS. I like this website because it gives specific listening practice to students who are still learning to interact socially with the language. I wish I could have found one that included story based listening quizzes, but sadly I could not. I do, however, like the amount and variety of listening quizzes available to students.
How would I use this website in my classroom?
This website would be a little difficult to use in my classroom. Honestly, as stated above, what I really wanted to find was short listening stories that students could answer comprehension questions about. What I found is essentially that, but more focused on getting ELL students to understand everyday conversation instead of focusing on stories. I do not foresee that I would necessarily use this site unless I got someone who was very low in their BICS skills. As we talked about in class, that isn't likely to happen. However, it did happen to me. I got a student my first year teaching who was still in the "silent" stage. That made doing almost anything with him pretty difficult. These would have been great listening comprehension exercises to catch him up a little bit.