My students need lots of practice with language skills in a variety of formats. BrainPopESL provides language experience in many subject areas and with a large variety of topics.
My students come from various backgrounds and experiences. One thing they all have in common is that they are learning to use English in speaking, listening, reading and writing. The transition to school has been difficult for these students as they navigate all of the academic challenges of their grade level and the challenges of learning in a new or second language.
Some of them are new to the USA with little to no English skill, while others were born here and also speak another language in their homes.
Their second languages include Spanish, Portuguese, and French. In addition, these students are adolescents with a sincere desire to fit in with their surroundings and engage socially with their peers.
I'm hoping that this project funding will aid them in their desire to fully assimilate into our community and acquire the skills they need.
My Project
Middle grade EL students need to experience and learn English covering a variety of topics. For example, students need to learn vocabulary, questioning, and commenting skills. In addition, they need to learn to relate to an event, ask for information, and put events in sequence. All of these skills require a variety of teaching and learning strategies.
BrainPop ESL covers all of that and more using interactive videos and questions.
There are illustrated reading and writing assignments that will prompt students to reach beyond their comfort level. For example, the topic of one of the passages is Online Safety. From this, students will incorporate academic language and answer comprehension questions. An extension of this would be to have students write an opinion piece about following rules. Many more of the topics will encourage students to write opinions, relate information, and construct arguments in English. These higher level skills will be essential to them for their continued progress throughout middle school, high school, and even college.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Slack and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
