Breaking Through Barriers To Language Acquisition
May 2011 – Free Language Program for HS and Adults
ELL Teacher Pros Newsletter May, 2011
The summer is fast approaching. If you have high school ELLs who wish
to keep up their English skills, I think you will like this free site. USA
Learns offers practice in listening, speaking, writing, and life
skills. The skill range is beginner through intermediate and though billed
as a site for adults, it is used frequently at the high school level. Many
students like the fact that they can practice at home any time they wish.
What topics are covered? Here are just a few: family, science and
technology, law and government, money, school, and working (intermediate
level). Here are some of the topics for beginners: calendar,
school, clothes and colors, shopping, food, doctors, and countries and
nationalities. With many of the activities, there is a bit of
video. Every lesson has audio. After students complete the
activities, their work is scored. The feedback is quick so students are
motivated to stay with the program.
Another bonus feature here is that parents of ELLs who would like to learn
English may do so from the comfort of their living rooms.
Now, for younger students, here is a site that they will enjoy exploring with
their parents or teachers. Imagine having famous actors read delightful
children’s books any time of the day or night! There is no fee (though
donations are appreciated). STORYLINE
ONLINE If your young students, children, or grandchildren enjoy the
books, you can also buy them directly from the site. I don’t think it gets
more convenient than that!
Last, but not least, is a site,
SPELLING CITY, where students of all ages can have fun perfecting their
spelling skills. Students just need word lists which they (or their
parents if they are young) pull from the internet or their textbooks. Once
they input the vocabulary, they can hear them read to them, practice spelling
them, or use the site to test them. However, there is much more to the
site than this. Some of the fun activities include HANGMOUSE, SENTENCE
UNSCRAMBLE, MATCH IT, SPEED SPELLER, and much more. The premium version of
this site is not expensive, but as a teacher, I have found the free version
more than adequate for the needs of my students.
Enjoy the sites. I know your students will!
Denise
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