ESOL Specific Websites

                 After searching and looking through multiple ESOL websites I reached the conclusion that it is very difficult to find ESOL specific websites for my particular classroom setting. I wanted to find a website that would give me useful language tools for teachers, students, and parents. As a bilingual teacher I am always looking for articles and resources about teaching language structures (forms/functions). I also look for engaging activities for my students. Many of the websites that I looked through were not very user-friendly or appealing. These websites had too much adverting and links to other products. These websites would not be appropriate for the age level I work with (K/1^st grade).   

                 A website that I looked at was ABEWeb. This is an ESOL website with multiple links to resources for different levels ranging from K-12 grade. After looking at the main menu I selected level 0 because I work with k-1^st grade students. After selecting Level 0 another page opened up with more selections: grammar, listening, pronunciation, reading, spelling, vocabulary, writing, and topic specific links. After selecting a topic a new page opened up with games, listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. This website has specific vocabulary links with vocabulary pictures and the correct pronunciation of each word. I liked this website because it was not cluttered with advertising. It was very simple looking and straight forward. It had some good ideas for teaching students different topics such as food and daily living. I personally would not use this website because it seems to be for an older audience although it is describes as a K-1 website. I would suggest this website for older students or parents looking to better their English.

link to website: https://abeweb.mpls.k12.mn.us/

                 This assignment was very difficult. I would have liked to have found a website that connected better to my schools philosophy of teaching English. Our district is using Literacy Squared in many schools and to be honest none of these websites support their ideology of teaching English. One of the main objectives of Literacy Squared is to teach language in context. English is taught in a literacy based way with culturally relevant text and cross language connections. Language is a resource and many of these websites to do not have this concept. It made sense not being able to find a website that I could use because there are so many different programs for teaching English. It is even difficult for our districts in Oregon to come to agreement on the most ideal program for our ELL’s. 

                 Although it was difficult finding a specific ESOL website that I would use in my classroom there are many websites that are not ESOL specific that I would use to support my ELL’s. There are reading websites such readinga-z, starfall, pbskids, and tumblebooks that are very useful and provide a context to the language students are learning.