ESL: English as a Second Language

Source: Netlingo (License: Protected by Copyright (c) [i.e. screenshot])

 

Ever wonder what some technology terms mean or what text shorthand represents in texts, tweets, or e-mails? Net Lingo seems to be a "one stop shop" for all tech terms and tech shorthand. You can browse their dictionary, you can look by category, they have a "word of the day" feature, and even an iPhone app for 99¢. Very useful tool in keeping up with technology for you and your students.

Source: Newsela homepage (License: Protected by Copyright (c) [i.e. screenshot])

 

Newsela is a personalized reading service designed to help students master non-fiction literacy by providing daily news articles at multiple reading levels. Newsela makes it easy for an entire class to read the same article at their own reading level.

The teacher assigns an article(s) to the class. Many of the articles have quizzes available. "Write" is a feature that allows students to answer open-ended questions. The teacher can customize the prompt.

Newsela offers a free version and a premium for pay program called Newsela Pro. Pro includes many additional features including student tracking, annotation on articles, etc. June 30, 2023 Newsela offers Newsela Lite. Articles will still be available at multiple reading levels but each week four articles will be available to select from. The articles will be available for four weeks. Each week one will be replaced. When an article is selected the teacher will be able to see student actions and quiz results. It is free to any teacher. Review the new features. 

Source: This I Believe: Do What You Love by NPR (License: Protected by Copyright (c) [i.e. screenshot])

 

Use the essays from the NPR Radio program to create speaking/conversation activities, vocabulary learning exercises, listening (main ideas, cloze, details, etc.) activities, and follow up with extension activities in which students speak or write about themselves.