Fun and Games for ELL

I'm Game

Ok, so like you, I have checked out all the tips and tricks of blogging, and I have set up 32 (true!) Google Alerts to scan the Internet for new and exciting content.  Surprisingly, there was little information in my inbox this week, but, luckily, in the eleventh hour Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day and The Tech Edvocate came through with some new posts that relate to games, which is one of my interests for ELL.  I hope you find a new bookmark here!

Keep It Simple

Matthew Lynch in Five Keys to Using Tech with English Learners gives a quick run-down of integrating technology for ELLs.  Lynch provides a link to this great warehouse of flash-enabled games that are uncomplicated and especially well-suited to young learners.  

If you are in a pinch for simple, accessible games, check it out!  Assign to students by objective or need, or let them have free reign in this safe area.  (By the way, be sure to have a look at Lynch's referral to this list of great AR books too!)

A Little More Complicated 

iCivics's NewsFeed Defenders

Larry Ferlazzo's pick of 10/2/2018 is a brand spanking new game that is ever so timely!  With midterm elections coming up and fake news in the real news, this digital citizenship game in which students spot distractors in a virtual news feed couldn't be more welcome!  Geared for older students, this game is particularly relevant and can significantly aid ELLs who have an added layer of challenge in evaluating media.

Hot off the presses, this says it all:

‘NewsFeed Defenders’ from iCivics and the Annenberg Public Policy Center teaches students and adults to differentiate between what’s real and what’s not by challenging them to moderate an online community news site while resisting clickbait, viral rumors, and biased sources. 
- New Media Literacy Online Game Teaches Students and AdultsHow to Spot ‘Fake’ News and Misinformation, iCivics, Press Release

What a fantastic new game to teach digital literacy not only for vulnerable ELL students but for all.

Keep It Fun

Using music is such a fun way to teach and learn.  One of my favorite sites is Flocabulary, and if you teach Grade 3 and up, it is worth every penny of the premium.  My ELLs love it!  We dance, sing, repeat!  It has all kinds of digital and reproducible tools as well as a write-your-own lyric-lab!  For non-threatening access to content area studies for your ELLs, it can't be beaten.

Maybe you want to have your students try to keep up with music videos in English?  Lyrics Training:  This is totally engaging gamified English learning using YouTube and Vevo videos and fill-in-the-blank!  (Click "Maybe Later" if you don't want to create an account and just preview your video first. ;-))  See if you don't get hooked.   

 Looking forward to catching up next week!

P. S. If you happen to be on your way to Kyoto, check out this event geared toward using games and songs in language learning.  ハッピートレイル (Happy trails)!