TeachersFirst - Featured Sites: Week of Aug 20, 2023
Here are this week's features. Clicking the tags in the description area of each listing will present a list of other resources with this topic. | Click here to return to the Featured Sites Archive
Supporting Language Learners with Book Creator - Book Creator
Grades
K to 12
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Book Creator's free book,Supporting Language Learners with Book Creator, shares over a dozen lesson ideas for educators to use Book Creator, reviewed...more
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Book Creator's free book,Supporting Language Learners with Book Creator, shares over a dozen lesson ideas for educators to use Book Creator, reviewed here, features to support students acquiring a new language. Suggestions in the book include ideas for all grade levels and content areas, such as how to use anchor charts, reading response journals, alphabet and number books, and more. Each suggestion includes a short description, pictures of examples, and links to Book Creator templates. Be sure to scroll further down the page to find and read several examples of books created in multiple languages worldwide.
tag(s): multimedia (42), writing (308)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the many ideas and suggestions shared in Supporting Language Learners with Book Creator to create books and learning opportunities for students in any language. Book Creator includes a built-in language translator for ten languages. If you need additional translation help, download and use Microsoft Translator for Education, reviewed here, or Google Language Tools, reviewed here to translate virtually any language. Provide additional language learning opportunities by asking students to create books in English and their native language and make them available by sharing them on your class website or Google Classroom. Encourage students to read their books in their native language and discuss their culture as they learn from each other.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Coffee Break Languages - Radio Lingua Ltd
Grades
3 to 12
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Learn a language with free short, coffee-break-length (15-20 minute) podcasts. First, scroll down the home page to select a language from the ten options provided. After selecting a...more
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Learn a language with free short, coffee-break-length (15-20 minute) podcasts. First, scroll down the home page to select a language from the ten options provided. After selecting a language, choose the link to the free podcasts and select one of the four learning levels starting with absolute beginners up to advanced learners. Then, subscribe to the language podcasts on your favorite streaming platform, including Apple, Google, or Spotify.
tag(s): chinese (44), cultures (128), french (72), german (48), italian (28), multilingual (57), podcasts (65), portuguese (22), spanish (102)
In the Classroom
Use this resource in world language classes and with ENL/ESL students. Include this site as a resource when students are working on a project about another culture. If you have students in world language, world cultures, or even language arts classes who need enrichment - send them to this site to learn the basics of a new language or to look for roots that show in English. Self-motivated advanced students or those planning a semester abroad can learn language basics independently here. Finally, include this site for "Children of the World Day" or family heritage day activities. As students practice and learn a new language, share an online recording tool such as Vocaroo, reviewed here, for students to record and playback conversations.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Narakeet - Gojko Adzic
Grades
K to 12
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Narakeet offers text-to-speech creation with options for choices of over 500 realistic-sounding voices. Registration is not required; upload your script to begin. Choices include the...more
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Narakeet offers text-to-speech creation with options for choices of over 500 realistic-sounding voices. Registration is not required; upload your script to begin. Choices include the design of text-to-speech audio or video from a PowerPoint presentation. After making your selection, take advantage of the available choices to select a language and voice. Then, either upload a file, copy and paste text when creating an audio file, or upload your PowerPoint presentation to create a video. When finished, download the converted file to your device. Free accounts offer you up to twenty projects with maximum uploaded file sizes of up to 10MB. Other restrictions apply to free accounts; this information is available on the pricing page.
tag(s): chinese (44), conversions (37), german (48), greek (33), italian (28), japanese (47), multilingual (57), portuguese (22), russian (24), spanish (102), text to speech (16), video (252)
In the Classroom
Although presentations are uploaded as PowerPoint documents, Narakeet is still easy to use with Google Slides. Upload your Google Slide presentations to the Free Office Online Apps, reviewed here, and save as a PowerPoint presentation. Use Narakeet to share information with world language learners to hear the text spoken in the native language. Use this site with ENL/ESL students to convert small pieces of text to their native language. Use this site with students who have difficulty reading, especially when working with more challenging passages and text. Use the video options to convert student presentations into videos, then share presentations on your class website. Narakeet is also a handy option to use when creating flipped learning lessons. Upload the lesson as a slide presentation, and then convert it to a video file for easy viewing by students.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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TeachVid - TaskMagic and Textivate
Grades
5 to 12
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Harness the power of videos to teach languages with TeachVid's learning resources. TeachVid uses tools to make world languages understandable using subtitles and text transcripts. Students...more
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Harness the power of videos to teach languages with TeachVid's learning resources. TeachVid uses tools to make world languages understandable using subtitles and text transcripts. Students use Learn Mode to watch videos as many times as they like, with or without captions and transcripts. Educators use Activity Mode to split activities into learning tasks that provide feedback and student progress tracking. Choose from a variety of activities including fill in the gap, ordering words to create sentences, and filling in missing letters. Free accounts offer access to featured resources and the option to create up to 5 personalized resources. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): chinese (44), french (72), german (48), italian (28), japanese (47), latin (21), multilingual (57), russian (24), spanish (102)
In the Classroom
Use TeachVid as a supplement to enhance and engage students in foreign language instruction. Share with students as a resource to explore different languages and find options that interest them. Use this site to teach world languages that aren't available within your curriculum. You can create interactive videos of your own using Edpuzzle, reviewed here. Use EdPuzzle to add comments and questions to create self-paced lessons to videos and moderate student learning. As students become proficient in a new language, or find languages that interest them, engage and extend thier learning (with TeachVid as a model) by encouraging them to share their understanding and learning by creating videos using FlexClip, reviewed here, with voice overs and templates. Then ask them to share their videos with their peers. Teachvid is also an excellent resource to share with ENL/ELL students to support English language learning.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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FluentKey - Fluentkey, LLC
Grades
K to 12
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FluentKey turns videos into interactive learning activities to teach world language learners (including American Sign Language). This site's videos engage learners through the addition...more
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FluentKey turns videos into interactive learning activities to teach world language learners (including American Sign Language). This site's videos engage learners through the addition of captions, quizzes, and games embedded into videos. Take advantage of the large library of videos found on the site, or upload your own videos from YouTube, Facebook, or your computer. After creating your account, add class information and student lists, then assign videos and add quizzes and other interactive content. Students access your assignment using the code created; as students complete each assignment, view responses and class averages to each question on your classroom dashboard. In addition to assigning content to individual students, FluentKey Live is an interactive game for classrooms. Share a video from the site on your interactive whiteboard and ask students to participate on their own devices.
tag(s): chinese (44), DAT device agnostic tool (138), french (72), german (48), multilingual (57), sign language (10), spanish (102), Teacher Utilities (134)
In the Classroom
Use FluentKey to easily differentiate world language lessons for students and allow them to progress at their own speed. Help ENL/ESL students master English using videos and quizzes based on their knowledge level. This is also an excellent tool to provide language learning experiences based on student interests. Even if the language isn't included with the videos on the site, find and upload videos for student use and add quizzes along with additional content. As students become proficient in a new language, encourage them to share their knowledge using a variety of multimedia tools. Annotate images using Google Drawings, reviewed here, create an audio recording of conversations, or use PhotoCollage, reviewed here, to create the collage. As students become more proficient in their new language, ask them to record short podcasts with a podcast creation tool like Podcast Generator, reviewed here, and share tips and advice with their fellow students.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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BeeLine Reader Collection - Reading is Fundamental
Grades
K to 12
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Improve reading and comprehension skills for all students and adults with this BeeLine Reader Collection on Literacy Central. Find over 100 books and stories as downloadable PDFs, all...more
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Improve reading and comprehension skills for all students and adults with this BeeLine Reader Collection on Literacy Central. Find over 100 books and stories as downloadable PDFs, all using BeeLine Reader technology to highlight and wrap text to improve focusing and tracking while reading. Use the leveled reading passages within Reading is Fundamental for multiple grade levels and books. Find additional support materials for each book, including author interviews, lesson plans, crosswords, and word searches all as downloadable PDFs. Though Beeline Reader is not usually a free tool, Literacy Central is providing it to its members for free through these PDFs. You do not need to create a free membership to use these materials, only to save them as a favorite. Learn more about the Beeline Reader tool and how it improves reading comprehension by watching the YouTube video introduction on this page.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): independent reading (84), multilingual (57), reading comprehension (135), reading strategies (92), Special Needs (47), Teacher Utilities (134)
In the Classroom
These BeeLine Reader PDFs are an excellent addition to the already valuable reading materials found at Reading is Fundamental - Literacy Central, reviewed here. Be sure to bookmark this site to find leveled reading passages with the enhanced function of BeeLine Reader. These PDFs are wonderful to share with ENL/ELL and Special Education specialists to use with their students. Remember, all teachers are reading teachers. Share this tool with your science, social studies, and math teachers, too!
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Read Ahead - Full Tilt Ahead, LLC
Grades
3 to 12
6 Favorites
0 Comments
Transform any text into a guided reading activity presentation using vocabulary, keywords, and phrases with Read Ahead. Create a presentation highlighting critical components of a text...more
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Transform any text into a guided reading activity presentation using vocabulary, keywords, and phrases with Read Ahead. Create a presentation highlighting critical components of a text passage by choosing keywords or phrases, add your vocabulary list, or use the Smart Skimmer to select items automatically. When complete, your presentation shares featured words and terms with readers before beginning to read the text. Share with students using the created link or through social media links.
tag(s): literacy (103), multilingual (57), reading comprehension (135), vocabulary (231), vocabulary development (91)
In the Classroom
Include Read Ahead with your other resources for teaching vocabulary. Read Ahead is perfect for introducing any reading passage to struggling readers, special education students, and ENL/ELL learners. Create presentations for articles found in science or social studies materials to prepare students for difficult vocabulary and phrases. Take advantage of this site to use reading material with your students that might otherwise be above their reading level. Instead of asking students to use vocabulary in sentences to demonstrate understanding, ask them to use the words to create digital stories using an online tool like Book Creator, reviewed here. Book Creator can be used for a variety of assignments in any classroom that is integrating technology as an enhancement, modification, or transformation.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Immersive Reader - Microsoft
Grades
K to 12
5 Favorites
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Immersive Reader is a free Microsoft Learning Tool available for use with several Microsoft products including OneNote, Word, Outlook, and Edge. Immersive Reader dictates text and offers...more
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Immersive Reader is a free Microsoft Learning Tool available for use with several Microsoft products including OneNote, Word, Outlook, and Edge. Immersive Reader dictates text and offers several options for personalization. Use the options to adjust the playback speed, highlight text during the audio reading, and adjust text size and spacing. Click on any word in your reading material to listen to the pronunciation. Additional options allow you to view words divided into syllables, use labels to color-code words by parts of speech, and increase the spacing between lines and letters. Use the line focus feature to highlight only small portions of text. Turn on the dictionary option to select words and view drawings representing the meanings. This tool is a wonderful resource for your special needs students and struggling readers!
tag(s): adhd (26), differentiation (79), disabilities (28), dyslexia (10), Microsoft (81), multilingual (57), reading comprehension (135), Special Needs (47), text to speech (16)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the many features included with Immersive Reader for any classroom use. You may need to discuss downloading this product with your school's IT department; however, it is well worth the effort. This product is especially helpful for ENL/ESL students and students needing additional help with reading. Use the language options for students to hear and view text in their native language. Use Immersive Reader to help students with Dyslexia or ADHD to decode and focus on the text by using the options included. Upload classroom materials for students to use for help in understanding difficult text.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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LyricsTraining - LyricsTraining.com
Grades
4 to 12
1 Favorites
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Learn a language through favorite music videos with LyricsTraining. This very engaging site offers an extensive collection of videos in several genres. Choose from top lyrics to begin...more
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Learn a language through favorite music videos with LyricsTraining. This very engaging site offers an extensive collection of videos in several genres. Choose from top lyrics to begin or scroll through the home page to view new lyrics. Select a language to narrow down choices. Once you select a video, choose from four different levels - the hardest requires you to fill in all the words of the song! Choose also to fill in the blanks or select responses from the four provided options. Registration isn't required; however, it allows you to save favorites and create your own customized exercises. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): DAT device agnostic tool (138), french (72), german (48), italian (28), japanese (47), multilingual (57), portuguese (22), spanish (102)
In the Classroom
Ways to use this site are limited only by your imagination! Share with ENL/ESL learners for practice in English. The many choices on this site assure that all viewers will find music to enjoy. Foreign language learners will love practicing their new language using options on the site. Be sure to share a link on your class website and school computers for practice at home and during independent work time. Use this site as a 5-minute transition at the beginning or end of class. Register on the site and create customized exercises to meet the needs of your students, or let them create practice activities for fellow class members.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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YOUGLISH - Youglish
Grades
7 to 12
1 Favorites
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This simple, widget-like site lets you hear the pronunciation of English words by viewing YouTube videos of native speakers. YOUGLISH gives English, spoken by real people and in context....more
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This simple, widget-like site lets you hear the pronunciation of English words by viewing YouTube videos of native speakers. YOUGLISH gives English, spoken by real people and in context. Type in a single word or phrase, choose UK, US, or all pronunciations, then a captioned video appears in the results and starts playing automatically. Additional results are available by clicking an arrow button below the video. YOUGLISH has a Restricted Mode you can use in the classroom. When activated the Restricted Mode will stay activated for any other sessions until deactivated. A logo with (RM) will appear when you are in Restricted Mode. If your district blocks YouTube; the videos may not be viewable. WARNING: Inappropriate words can be entered, and adult-level content results returned. Be sure to discuss expectations and consequences with students before allowing them to use this site on their own. If you are sharing videos with the class, always preview!
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): dictionaries (47), multilingual (57), pronunciation (33), vocabulary (231)
In the Classroom
YOUGLISH is a helpful site for ENL/ESL learners or students encountering new words for the first time. Be sure to activate the Restricted Mode on all devices using YOUGLISH. Look for the (RM) logo while students are using this tool. Since inappropriate content can be search and displayed, this is best used with teacher direction as a group activity, perhaps using an interactive whiteboard or projector.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Story Shares - Louise Baigelman and Gary Herman
Grades
6 to 12
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Story Share is the perfect solution for finding relevant and readable content for older students unable to read above the elementary level. Digital content provides interesting material...more
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Story Share is the perfect solution for finding relevant and readable content for older students unable to read above the elementary level. Digital content provides interesting material that doesn't condescend to teen readers. Use scroll down the landing page to The Matrix to filter the correct reading level and interest level. Login is required to read books, and it allows you to add books to a reading list and to bookmark the stopping point while reading books. Be sure to check out the The Blog to find books on current topics and ideas for reading nooks, etc.
tag(s): book lists (151), differentiation (79), digital storytelling (138), ebooks (35), multilingual (57), reading comprehension (135)
In the Classroom
Introduce this site to your reluctant or struggling readers on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Then have students explore this site independently or in small groups to find interesting reading material. Be sure to provide a link to Story Shares on your class website or blog for students to explore at home. Use this site to differentiate for students of all levels and for use with special education or ENL/ESL students. Have students write their own comprehension questions and answers based on the book to check their own comprehension and to exchange with classmates.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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News in Levels - newsinlevels.com
Grades
K to 8
6 Favorites
0 Comments
Find high interest, leveled news articles (and lessons) for English language learners. Although this site was designed for ENL/ESL it could be very useful in any elementary classroom...more
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Find high interest, leveled news articles (and lessons) for English language learners. Although this site was designed for ENL/ESL it could be very useful in any elementary classroom looking for informational texts that can be differentiated for various reading levels (great for meeting Common Core standards). This tool could be used with any readers to increase comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary skills. There are three difficulty levels. Complete the Test Your Level exercise in the pop-up box after you first get to the home page to find out what level will be best for you. Many of the lessons include audio and practice exercises. In addition, interesting pictures pique the students' interest. The same story is presented in all of the various levels. The vocabulary at lower levels repeats at the higher levels with more vocabulary added as the level increases. Definitions for the vocabulary words, below the reading, assists with English meanings. The audio is hosted on YouTube. At the time of this review, most of the news story content was fine for all ages. However, please preview the story before you share it with your class to be certain it is appropriate.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): differentiation (79), guided reading (33), multilingual (57), news (227), reading comprehension (135)
In the Classroom
Add this website to your classroom computers, websites, and newsletters for parents of ENL/ESL students or beginning readers. This tool is especially helpful at the beginning of the year, as you are learning students' reading levels. Use this tool to differentiate in all primary classes. Although this site was created for English Language Learners, it could still be used by all students including gifted and learning support. Differentiate for your advanced/gifted students in elementary, while meeting Common Core standards of Informational Text. Use these news articles as informational text meeting your Common Core goals. Assign students of different levels the same story at the appropriate level or build skills by sharing the same story as a class. Challenge groups to compare the stories in pairs. Have students create a visual presentation of the story. First have students create a rough draft of their comic using Printable Comic Strip Templates, reviewed here. For Level 1 readers have them create their final comic using ToonyTool, reviewed here, for Level 3 readers use Make Beliefs Comix, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Duolingo - Duolingo
Grades
1 to 12
2 Favorites
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Duolingo is a free, online language learning class. Sign up with email. Make a selection from Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, and many others. Earn points on...more
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Duolingo is a free, online language learning class. Sign up with email. Make a selection from Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, and many others. Earn points on different levels as you work towards mastery. Practice provides both seeing and hearing the words. Your responses require choosing the English translation and also spelling the words in the "new" language. Put your knowledge to work in the immersion section and translate a document or even upload a document of your own. Check the vocabulary you have learned and your progress toward mastery. Track your weekly progress. The discussion section answers individual questions. Duolingo is free for schools. There are free iOS and Android apps for Duolingo.
tag(s): arabic (13), chinese (44), DAT device agnostic tool (138), french (72), game based learning (173), german (48), hebrew (16), italian (28), japanese (47), multilingual (57), OER (43), Online Learning (39), portuguese (22), russian (24), spanish (102)
In the Classroom
Use Duolingo in your world language classes as another form of practice and enrichment. Have students sign up to compete against each other in a fun game of language mastery. Have world language students use the immersion tool to help read and translate authentic text. For an ENL/ESL classroom, provide extra, specific practice in beginning English. ENL/ESL students can also use the immersion section to check their own written documents and connect with other ENL/ESL students. Offer this site as a supplement when you study cultures from around the world. Gifted students are sure to enjoy the challenge of learning some language phrases. Is your class remote learning? Duolingo has a guide just for that! Scroll down the home page and find Duolingo for Schools, then click Bring Duolingo to Your Classroom. Find the Guide for using Duolingo at home at the top right of the page.
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Adapt-a-Strategy for ENL/ESL - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Need clarification about ESL vs. ELL vs. ENL? You will find that with this professional learning module. Next, learn about the different frameworks and pedagogies. Then the need for...more
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Need clarification about ESL vs. ELL vs. ENL? You will find that with this professional learning module. Next, learn about the different frameworks and pedagogies. Then the need for getting to know your student is explained, and finally, move to vocabulary, reading, writing, mathematics, technology, science/social studies, art and music, and physical education strategies. Adapt your existing lesson plans using these simple strategies to help ENL students. Click on the activity type you have planned and find suggestions and resources to help your ENL/ESL students be successful with the lesson. Some of the same strategies may help students with IEPs for speech and language or learning support.
tag(s): teaching strategies (40)
In the Classroom
Share this one with your colleagues who also have ENL/ESL students.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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