One way to promote primary language support is by having available a dictionary. The following resource offers an online dictionary which can translate English words to 27 different languages, Spanish to 5 different other languages, and 12 other non-Spanish and non-English languages to other languages. In my future classroom I would like to add this resource on my Google Classroom for students to have quick access to it. It would also be a quick resource for me as I label classroom materials using the native language(s) that my students speak. However, I am aware that I must use caution and only translate single words when using this resource. As Wright (2015) states, “Translation is a difficult task and a fine art that requires an expert human touch…they are intended to give users just a rough idea of what a text is about”(p.306).
Adlit.org offers a lot of reading strategies to help students with the comprehension piece. Under “Classroom Strategies” you will find graphic organizers sectioned off into three categories: before, after, and during reading graphic organizers. The “before reading” graphic organizer helps activate students’ prior knowledge. “During reading” graphic organizers help students make connections and ask questions while they are reading. “After reading” graphic organizers are for students to discuss and expand on what they have read. According to Wright (2015), “Graphic organizers are beneficial for ELLs because they represent the main ideas and other content visually with just a few words. ELLs can demonstrate their comprehension of the text by completing their own graphic organizers. Graphic organizers also provide an important oral language scaffold for ELLs to talk about and retell stories or summarize expository texts” (p. 208). In my future classroom, I could use the Frayer model as a before reading strategy for students to define a math vocabulary word. Later, I could use structured notetaking as a during reading strategy. Lastly, I could use the exit slips as an after reading strategy and formative assessment.Google Classroom is a free service from Google. It simplifies the distribution and grading of assignments. Students get access to the shared files and announcements from the teachers. This is a great resource for all students, especially for those that miss school the most. In my classroom I would use this to post the agenda of the day and the assignments/homework that students need to complete. I would also include additional resources where students could get more practice on the concept we are currently learning. Such a site could include mathisfun.com, khan academy videos, links to games, and more. Wright (2015) argues, “Several software programs use the computer’s multimedia capabilities to help students understand and practice math concepts, often in the context of games and other entertaining activities” (p. 273). |