Making Grade-Level Content Engaging and Accessible for English Language Learners

As students develop proficiency in a new language, research consistently shows the importance of building on the linguistic and cultural assets they bring to the classroom.

Differentiating instruction with instructional scaffolds, creating a safe space for student to practice their new language, and providing learning experiences in students’ home language help to recognize these assets while creating true access points into grade-level content.

DIFFERENTIATE INSTRUCTION WITH RESEARCH-BASED SCAFFOLDS

Supporting language needs with instructional scaffolds means teachers get to see what their students really know and, armed with this insight, support each student to grow in their language and academic development.

Here are 4 research-based scaffolds to try:

• Multimodal directions: The first step to success is knowing what to do! Including audio directions or a video model of what’s expected sets students up for success.

• Photos and illustrations: Reinforce new vocabulary and increase comprehension of reading passages with visuals.

• Sentence stems: Help students organize their thinking so they can express their great ideas.

• Offer multiple ways to demonstrate mastery: Multimodal tools like video, drawing, and voice recording ensure that language isn’t a barrier in demonstrating mastery.

Many of these scaffolds are not possible without technology. Seesaw activities equip teachers with multimodal tools like audio recording, video, and collage that make learning more accessible for multilingual learners.

PROVIDE A SAFE SPACE TO PRACTICE SPEAKING

Students need as many opportunities as possible to practice speaking and listening. But it can be scary to try something new in front of the entire class.

Seesaw gives multilingual learners a safe space to practice. Students can use the video tool to record themselves reading or pronouncing new words. Or they can take a photo of an assignment and record their voice to explain their thinking. All in the privacy of their Seesaw journal.

On Seesaw, students have the confidence to try, make mistakes, reflect on their progress, and try again. That’s how language grows.

ASSIGN ENGAGING GRADE-LEVEL ACTIVITIES IN THEIR HOME LANGUAGE

Making grade-level content accessible to students in their home language creates true access points for students. Many educators look for instructional resources that support multilingual learners in their classrooms. Yet, they often find there is a gap in high-quality resources.

That’s why the Seesaw Library has expanded to include foundational reading, writing, and math content in Spanish!

Spanish lessons include the same powerful tools and engaging experiences in the rest of the Seesaw Library, from audio directions and fun instructional videos to built-in assessments and family connections.

Working with native Spanish speakers, all content is translated or transadapted with attention to cultural details to resonate with Spanish speakers. Plus, all components of each lesson are available in Spanish, including demos, videos, activities, and lesson plans, so they’re truly ready to assign.

Technology is a powerful tool in making grade-level content accessible and engaging for all learners. With just-right language supports and high-quality resources, English Language Learners are equipped to achieve academically while they acquire a new language.