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Build Digital Literacy into Your ESL Classroom Routine

Posted on 07/24/2025

Looking for a practical way to help your ESL students gain essential tech skills, especially those just starting out? Northstar Digital Literacy’s free Teacher Resource Guide, Routines to Build Essential Digital Literacy Skills in ESL Classrooms, is a must-see tool designed with beginning English learners in mind.

This guide includes:

  • A helpful flowchart for planning and implementing digital literacy routines
  • Rubrics for assessing student skills and needs
  • Ready-to-use and adaptable Google Slide decks for each routine
  • Suggestions for connecting routines to ESL content, using Minnesota Literacy’s English Unlocked as an example
  • Ideas for extending learning with the Northstar Digital Literacy Curriculum

Topics covered in the example routines include:

  • Basic Computer Skills: Identifying devices, using a mouse, keyboarding
  • Internet Basics: Connecting to Wi-Fi, searching online, navigating websites
  • Using Email: Signing in, writing emails, replying to messages

Routines are designed to be implemented at least twice a week, ideally as warm-ups or closers, to build repetition and confidence. Over time, students develop both tech comfort and language skills—foundational tools for success in today’s world.

This guide supports all levels of ESL learners, with an emphasis on accessibility for beginners.

👉 Access the Teacher Resource Guide here: Routines to Build Essential Digital Literacy Skills in ESL Classrooms (PDF)

🔍 Want to explore more? Visit Northstar Digital Literacy to learn about their assessments, online learning tools, and curriculum.

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OTAN activities are funded by contract CN240137 from the Adult Education Office, in the Career & College Transition Division, California Department of Education, with funds provided through Federal P.L., 105-220, Section 223. However, OTAN content does not necessarily reflect the position of that department or the U.S. Department of Education.